HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 cc676-7W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons his Department requires that potatoes shall not be grown more than once in five years on the same land; and if he now has any plans to remove this requirement.

Mr. Viggers

[holding answer 3 February 1988]: Limitations on the growing of ware potatoes to once in five years on the same land were introduced with the intention of preventing the build up of potato cyst nematode. A proposal in light of current circumstances to remove the frequency of planting restriction in respect of ware potatoes in Northern Ireland is at present the subject of consultation with industry interests.