Thursday, April 6, 1967

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: In speaking particularly of the Maritime area it is known that domestic shipments from P.E.I. were 106% of last year; while those of New Brunswick 54% were in export. If we are to expect subsidies from

the federal government some responsibility would have to be accepted by our own industry.

Now ladies and gentlemen -— I am sorry —- Mr. Speaker, I wanted to convey this to you. Mr. Confusion. Mr. Confusion would you mind paying attention a minute? (Laughter and Applause). Because you are the most confused man that ever stood on the floor of this House, I would like you to listen over there and convey some of this information to you, Sir, and you can take it home. Also your good friend: he is Confusion No. 2. (Laughter and Applause). You wanted to know what the Minister of Agriculture was going to do about the price of potatoes. We are doing all we could and well you knew it. For the year 1961, to refresh your memory, you happened to be in this House, and you happened to be in Government, the Government of that day. For the year 1961 the average price of a 75 lb. bag of potatoes was 67c. What did you people do about it?

Honourable Robert E. Campbell: Nothing.

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: In 1962, our prices were $1.05 for an aver- age, with prices quoted as low as 75c.

Honourable Robert E. Campbell: Terrible, terrible.

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: The honourable Leader of the Opposition might mark down some of this stuff too.

Some Member: Oh, he is marking it all down. Honourable Robert E. Campbell: He can’t write. Walter R. Shaw: I’m getting it, I’m not asleep. Some Member: Oh boy!

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: In 1963, we received a price of $1.11 a 75 lbs. bag for an average, and the lows that year were 85c and 90c. 1966 was must better— the average price was $1.60. Potatoes, presently the average on the basis of seed and tablestock, compared to the years 1961, 1962, and 1963, while they are far from what we would like, are averaging about 90c.

Walter R. Shaw: What about 1964 and 1965?

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: What did you say, Sir? Walter R. Shaw: What were the averages 1964 and 1965? Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: They were good years, Sir. Walter R. Shaw: Well, I want to get them, that's all.

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: 1964 was a good year; our average price was $2.16 per 75 lb. bag.

Walter R. Shaw: You should have included that. $2.16. And 1965? Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: In 1965, the average was $1.66 per bag. Walter R. Shaw: Good.

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: That was wonderful; we'were very happy about that.

Walter R. Shaw: I wish you would keep the parrot quiet over there, please. (Laughter).

Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald: In 1966, the average price was $1.60 for tablestock.

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