asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has seen reports that in Canada the sale of packaged mashed potatoes is making substantial headway, particularly for the restaurant trade, when prepared at the growers' warehouse; and whether he will consider assisting the promotion of such an industry here for the British market and elsewhere.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Packaged Mashed Potatoes.
9.
I am aware that production of processed potatoes, in various forms, has increased in Canada, while consumer demand there for raw potatoes has declined. My Department would be prepared to give all possible technical assistance to the promoters of such an industry in this country, but I have some doubts as to the possibility of finding remunerative export outlets.
Would the Minister consider consulting the Potato Marketing Board and possibly asking them to have consultations with Coras Tráchtála, the Export Promotion Board, with a view to determining whether any similar market could be made available if the Potato Marketing Board would act as a central processing and exporting authority, particularly in view of the very large crops of ware potatoes at present in the country?
I think the Deputy is right in saying that if there is an export market to be looked for, Coras Tráchtála should be consulted on the matter.
There is a board in existence.
I presume they have been consulted already.
Perhaps the Minister would direct their attention to the possibility of pursuing this matter.