POTATO EXPORTS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 523, 5 May 1933, Page 5

POTATO EXPORTS

(Press Assn.-

AUSTRALIAN AUTHORITIES FEAR SPREAD OF DISEASE

LIFTING OF EMBARGO

—By Telegraph— Copyright).

Canberra, May 4. The danger of introducing the corky scab potato disease into Australia by the removal of the embargo on New Zealand potatoes was emphasised during a debate in the House of Representatives. Mr. Gardner, Government Whip, talked out a motion that the House adjourn to discuss the proposal to .lift the .embargo. Mr. MeGrath, who introduced the motion, said h'e did not seek a vote on the question, hut was anxious for a full statement of the Government's intentions. Potato growers are greatly alarmed by the proposal to remove the embargo. The introduction of corky scab would mean the ruin of local crops, and throw idle for ten years or more land now used for potatoes. Experts said it was impossible to eradicate the disease. The ; Government was contemplating introducing a dreadful disease into the

third greatest primary industry in Victoria, and by the stroke of a pen it was proposed to wipe potatogrowers out of .existence. Mr. MeGrath' :added that potatoes sold last anonth at £8 per ton, and deelined to £5 "per ton when the rumour got about that New Zealand potatoes were coming here. On the other hand they inereased from £2 to £6 per ton in New Zealand. A deputation of 200' growers, despite the expense involved is coming to Canberra on Friday to see Mr. J. A. Lyons, Pederal Prime Minister, seeking a definite statement. Mr. F. H. Stewart, Minister of Commerce, said he could not divulge ; the text of the proposed agreement, but would give an .assurance that the Government would take no action which would imperil the potato industry.