HC Deb 27 March 1963 vol 674 cc1314-5
34. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the imports of Dutch milk.

Mr. Soames

The United States authorities have invited tenders from both British and continental dairies for the supply of milk to their Service units here for the coming twelve months. I understand that the tenders are now being reviewed, and that a decision will not be reached for some little time.

Mr. Peart

Is not the Minister aware that there is considerable feeling about this? Is it not absurd that Service stations in this country should have to rely on imports of milk from outside? Will the Minister put pressure on the Ministry of Defence to make additional representations in this matter? The situation is absurd.

Mr. Soames

I can assure the hon. Member that full representations have been made, at my request. The Minister of State saw the Minister at the American Embassy on 28th February and emphasised to him the strong reason why, in our view, the American Service units should get their milk from British sources.

Sir A. Hurd

Can we take it that the contracts for the supply of this milk are now the same for the Dutch as for ourselves? In earlier stages it seemed that the Dutch were getting easier terms than we were.

Mr. Soames

This matter has not been dealt with through me, but, as I understand it, that is the case.