HC Deb 15 February 1993 vol 219 c33W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he will take to ensure that the stock feed scheme is introduced for potatoes this year and that it will be uprated in line with the current rage of inflation.

Mr. Hanley

Under current arrangements Government may intervene in the potato market by way of a stock feed scheme if it appears that the average price for potatoes sold for human consumption over the marketing year will be less than the target price. The cumulative average price to date is significantly higher than the target price, consequently I have no plans to introduce a stock feed scheme. The target price is not linked to the rate of inflation.