HC Deb 06 June 1980 vol 985 c850W
Mr. Myles

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will announce the guarantee price for potatoes.

Mr. Peter Walker

The Government have decided that the guaranteed price for 1980–81 should be kept at the existing level of £44.64 per ton (£43.94 per tonne).

To ensure stability in the market throughout the season, the Potato Marketing Board is again being asked to offer producers a contract for a proportion of their crop. The aim will be to remove up to 500,000 tonnes from the market in Great Britain should this prove necessary. Consideration will be given to the need for market support along traditional lines in Northern Ireland if neccesary.