HC Deb 10 November 1955 vol 545 cc1984-5
15. Mr. Crouch

asked the President of the Board of Trade the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to the import of agricultural raw materials.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

If, as I understand, my hon. Friend has animal feeding-stuffs in mind, the majority of these may be imported without restriction from all sources.

Mr. Crouch

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a certain amount of apprehension among agriculturists, in view of the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture that we want to increase our livestock and that of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that we must keep an eye on the amount of coarse grains imported? If we want an expanding livestock industry, we must have ample supplies of coarse grains.

Mr. Thorneycroft

We believe that it is in the national interest to have these raw material feeding stuffs available from all sources in such a way that we are likely to buy them in the cheapest market.

Mr. T. Williams

Is there no intention at all of restricting private importers from importing as much coarse grains as they wish?

Mr. Thorneycroft

We certainly do not want to stand between farmers and the import of their necessary raw materials.

Mr. Williams

Then how is it that Ministers are constantly stating that we must reduce the imports of coarse grains?

Mr. Thorneycroft

It is not the intention of the Government to try to solve our current economic difficulties by the reimposition of import restrictions in matters of this kind.

Mr. Williams

What is the dollar expenditure?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I cannot give that figure without notice.