asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total amount and value of potatoes imported into this country for each month for the 12 month period ending 31 May 1987 and the relevant information for the year ending 31 May 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Value of Imported Potatoes.
79.
The following is the information requested.
Imports of Potatoes
|
June 1986-May 1987 |
June 1987-May 1988 |
|||
|
Value £000 |
Quantity (mt) |
Value £000 |
Quantity (mt) |
|
|
June |
2,560 |
17,640 |
2,391 |
15,923 |
|
July |
602 |
4,381 |
364 |
2,607 |
|
August |
261 |
1,958 |
60 |
478 |
|
September |
280 |
2,365 |
112 |
1,031 |
|
October |
597 |
5,145 |
144 |
1,404 |
|
November |
842 |
7,386 |
191 |
1,858 |
|
December |
650 |
5,630 |
134 |
1,130 |
|
January |
565 |
4,877 |
138 |
1,262 |
|
February |
525 |
4,481 |
225 |
2,121 |
|
March |
615 |
4,898 |
*277 |
*2,164 |
|
April |
815 |
6,150 |
*530 |
*3,178 |
|
May |
1,481 |
9,415 |
Not Available |
*Provisional.
I am pleased that, over the periods in question, imports have fallen from 74,326 to 33,156 tonnes. An Bord Glas regard the potato sector as a priority and are preparing a five-year plan for its future development.