Confusion On Potatoes

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30559, 30 September 1964, Page 1

Confusion On Potatoes

(Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Sept. 29. Some confusion in the minds of members of Parliament concerning the effect of aldrin on potatoes was revealed during discussion today of a question by Sir Basil Arthur (Opp., Timaru). He asked the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Talboys) to confirm that the use of aldrin for potatoes was permitted, subject to a guarantee that neither the potatoes nor the tops would be fed to stock. He also asked the Minister to clarify whether aldrin-treated potatoes were fit fpr human consumption. “I confirm that aldrin may be used for the control of wire worm in potatoes, subject to permit—but since it is not farm practice to feed potato tops to stock, it is unnecessary to stipulate

that as a condition of the permit,” Mr Taiboys said. “Potatoes sown in soil treated with aldrin are safe for human consumption. Therefore it is unnecessary to guarantee that the potatoes will not be fed to stock.” Sir Basil Arthur: Then why is it necessary to make the qualification that the potatoes will not be fed to stock? Mr Taiboys: There is no such qualification. Miss M. B. Howard (Opp., Sydenham): Will the Minister give an unqualified assurance that. potatoes which have been treated or sprayed with aldrin are not being sold for human consumption? . Mr Taiboys: Potatoes are not sprayed with aldrin. The soil .is treated with aldrin. It is in the fertiliser with which the soil is dressed.

Miss Howard: Will the Minister tell us why such potatoes must not be fed to animals, but are considered good enough for human consumption? The Speaker (Sir Ronald Algie): I think that has been answered. Mr Taiboys: It is unnecessary to guarantee that such potatoes will not be fed to stock because they are fit for consumption.