§ Sir Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are to be taken to support the Northern Ireland potato market in the current season.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Government have decided to introduce a stockfeed scheme on the Northern Ireland market under the United Kingdom potato guarantee arrangements with the objective of removing surplus potatoes and thus securing a better return to growers.
We estimate that the scheme will cost up to £1.5 million. This sum is being charged against the 1983–84 Contingency Reserve. Subject to parliamentary approval, provision will be met from the 1983–84 Main Estimate for class III, Vote 2. For the future, the Government's commitment to support the Northern Ireland potato market will depend upon a closer alignment being achieved between production and market requirements.