HC Deb 25 November 1964 vol 702 cc1269-70
30. Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what official consultations he had with Denmark on the Anglo-Danish Bacon Agreement during the European Free Trade Association talks at Geneva.

Mr. Peart

None, Sir. There were routine discussions with Danish officials in Copenhagen earlier this month under the Agreed Minute of 1956, which provides for an annual joint review of bacon market prospects.

Mr. Prior

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that reports emanating from Copenhagen suggest that, despite the demand by British producers for a bigger share of the market, no such arrangement has been reached? Is he aware further that the reason given for this is that we do not wish to upset Denmark in view of the calamitous treatment of Denmark and other E.F.T.A. countries in the last few days?

Mr. Peart

I am not responsible for reports which come from any country outside this country, or, indeed, for reports in the Press here. What the hon. Gentleman has said is not really true. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]

Mr. Soames

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was provision in the Anglo-Danish Bacon Agreement for the negotiation of an increased share for British producers of the bacon market, to be reviewed annually? Does he intend to seek an increased share for the coming year?

Mr. Peart

So far I have not taken a decision. The negotiations are still going on. The right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend, the former Joint Parliamentary Secretary, are adult and mature enough to know that it is a continuation of the policy carried on by the previous Administration. We are bound to have talks with the Danes—these talks are still proceeding—and not only with the Danes but other suppliers. When I have had some details from my own negotiators I will make up my mind, make a decision, and make an announcement.

Mr. Soames

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that he is actually in the process of negotiating the level of the British producers' share of the bacon market for the next year? If that is so, though I agree that he would not like to give away the details of what he is seeking to get, is he in fact seeking an increase in the British share?

Mr. Peart

The right hon. Gentleman knows that I cannot at this stage go further than I have done. I think that this is reasonable.

Forward to