§ 50. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the omission from the Agriculture Bill of any reference to horticulture, he will make a statement of the Government's intentions in regard to that industry, with particular reference to the protection of the home market from foreign competition.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statements made by myself and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry on the Second Reading of the Agriculture Bill. I can assure him that the Government fully recognise the national importance of the horticultural industry and that this will be taken into account in the forthcoming discussions on international trade.
§ Colonel RopnerDoes the Minister realise that this very important industry is suffering very considerable difficulties through the uncertainty, and does he appreciate the urgency of arriving at an early decision?
§ Mr. WilliamsNot only do I appreciate the importance of the horticultural industry, but the producers' organisations also recognise that we appreciate the importance of it.