Roberts asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure the benefits of bumper harvests of wheat and potatoes are passed on to the consumer; and if he will make a statement.

Potato prices in shops are currently low—generally in the range of 3p to 6p per lb. The good United Kingdom harvest for wheat will benefit consumers by helping the milling and feed-stuffs industries to contain their costs. We would like to see the general level of Community prices in real terms reduced and we will continue to press for this in the annual price fixing negotiation.