HC Deb 22 December 1965 vol 722 c2081
19. Mr. Bessell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of milk products consumed within the United Kingdom is imported.

Mr. Hoy

During the 12 months ended 31st October, 1965, about 53 per cent. by weight of total supplies other than stocks already held in store were imported.

Mr. Bessell

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the Government's request that the industry should increase production, he proposes to make representations to his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to impose restrictions upon imported milk products?

Mr. Hoy

That is another question. Sometimes when we even have a 10 per cent. charge on imports we get into trouble with certain hon. Members opposite.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does not the Joint Parliamentary Secretary agree that the percentage of 53 per cent. which he quoted is a very high percentage of imports? Does he not agree that there should be some reduction—indeed, there must be—if anything like the National Plan is to be carried out? Even that is optimistic.

Mr. Hoy

I certainly hope to see a large proportion of it taken up by our own industry.

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