HC Deb 06 February 1981 vol 998 c240W
Mr. Hicks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those countries, excluding EEC member States, from which potatoes have been imported since 1 January 1981 and the quantities involved; why he has permitted imports on this scale in the light of the domestic supplies of surplus stocks of potatoes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The Potato Marketing Board estimates that last month 10,800 tonnes of new potatoes were imported from the following sources, excluding Community member States: Egypt—8,000 tonnes; Cyprus—2,500 tonnes; Canary Islands—300 tonnes. Our producers cannot meet consumer demand for new potatoes at this time of year and there is no justification for intervention, providing that this traditional trade takes place under conditions of fair competition.