§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is taking to ensure that potato growers and consumers in the United Kingdom will be assured of a continuing sufficient supply of British potatoes in the event of abolition of the Potato Marketing Board.
§ Mr. CurryThe Government are consulting widely on the recently published proposals for an EC potato regime which as drafted do not make provision for the area—quota—controls and support-buying arrangements of our potato marketing scheme. We have long made it clear that our objectives in the light of any proposals for an EC regime in potatoes would be a level playing field of potato production throughout Europe; that the United Kingdom industry can meet all the needs of the market; that the United Kingdom industry can contribute to the export drive; that decisions are based clearly on the best scientific and technical knowledge available. It is also important that we create a climate favourable to investment in the United Kingdom by food processing and manufacturing companies.