HC Deb 17 December 1984 vol 70 cc35-6W
Sir Philip Holland

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received since June 1983 from potato growers urging him to withdraw financial support fom the Potato Marketing Board; whether he now considers that this body has outlived its usefulness; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacGregor

Although I have received some representations on the subject, the future of the Potato Marketing Board is a matter for producers. Proposed amendments to the potato marketing scheme have been thoroughly debated within the industry and a public inquiry recently considered the views of objectors.

The Government reviewed their role in potato market support earlier this year and concluded that both consumers and producers benefited from the relative stability which a limited managed market framework could provide. While this implied a continuing need for Government funding, the proposals following from that review will limit the commitment to a greater degree in future.