§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to obtain comparative information about EC member state intervention into the potato market; and if he will give figures showing assisted purchases of potatoes in 1992 for the United Kingdom, France and Spain.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 9 March 1993]: Information about EC member state intervention in the potato market is not formally obtained by my Department.
We are aware that certain other member states—for example, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal—may operate ad hoc intervention and other support measures in times of over-supply. In addition, the Netherlands operates a seed support scheme. Specific figures of assisted purchases by France and Spain are not however available.
The amount of the United Kingdom Government contribution towards the Potato Marketing Board's joint support buying scheme during 1992–93 has not yet been determined, but a contribution will be made in accordance with the terms of the Government's financial agreement with the board.