HC Deb 23 February 1995 vol 255 cc311-2W
Mr. Hanson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with representatives of potato growers about recent price rises; what action he expects to take; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what recent representations he has received on the price of potatoes; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what action he intends to take to prevent the price of potatoes rising above the rate of inflation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jack

I have received eight letters from right hon. and hon. Members and one from a member of the public. I have explained that, in a free market, the price of potatoes is a function of supply and demand. A cold wet spring, summer drought and a wet harvest have resulted in a reduced potato crop with attendant quality problems throughout Europe this season. This has led to average retail prices rising by 61 per cent. in the 12 months to mid-January. Prices arc now easing and are expected to continue to do so as supplies of the new crop from the Mediterranean arrive in Europe.

Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what amount of potatoes were exported to each country from the United Kingdom in the past 12 months.

Mr. Jack

Provisional figures for exports of fresh potatoes during the period 1 January 1994 to 30 September 1994, the latest available information, are as follows:

Exports Weight tonnes Value £000
Total of which 101,693 18,842
to EC 70,419 12,980
to non-EC 31,274 5,862
Irish Republic 35,730 7,223
Portugal 18,019 2,679
Canary Islands 13,174 1,816
Spain 8,505 1,514
Sweden 3,030 1,320
Morocco 8,343 1,200
Netherlands 3,120 493
Germany 1,774 394
Italy 1,566 351
Egypt 1,405 299
Hungary 1,008 277
Slovenia 873 212
Algeria 1,114 173
St. Lucia 528 132
France 531 131
Belgium-Luxembourg 725 103
Other 2,248 526

Note:

Totals may vary due to rounding.

Source:

Customs and Excise.