§ 2. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give an assurance that the cost to agriculture of the 15 per cent. surcharge will be fully taken into account in the next Price Review.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)The purpose of the import charge is to reduce the volume of imports. Nevertheless, any increased costs will be taken fully into account at the next Price Review, along with all other relevant circumstances.
§ Mr. DigbyDoes that mean that there will be full recoupment? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since I tabled this Question there have been heavy additional charges for farmers in the shape of the Government's 7 per cent. Bank Rate, so that there really is something of a problem here for farm incomes?
§ Mr. MackieMy right hon. Friend will answer a later Question on the 7 per cent. Bank Rate, but, as I said, everything will be taken into account when the Review discussions take place.
§ Mr. PriorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in a reply given by his right hon. Friend last week he said that raw materials, and particularly fertilisers, would not be affected by the surcharge? A lot of small fertiliser producers have to import some of their raw materials, and these are affected by the surcharge. If it is the Government's intention to keep the smaller producers of fertilisers in operation, will the Minister see whether the surcharge can be reduced on these commodities?
§ Mr. MackieIf they come into the question of increased costs, account will be taken of them.