§ 21. Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the minimum import 1069 price for processed cereals confers an advantage on the imported product as compared with the home-produced product; and if, in view of the need to reduce unnecessary imports, to give additional outlets for British products, and to honour the objectives of the minimum import price arrangements, he will review the present conditions.
§ Mr. PeartI am not aware that the minimum import prices for processed cereals confer any advantage on the imported product. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement with our overseas suppliers, the Government will review the minimum import price arrangements before the beginning of the next crop year.
§ Mr. PriorWill the right hon. Gentleman look at this again? Is it not true that the minimum import prices schedule at present gives an advantage to imported goods in the form other than the original grain and that this is causing a good deal of concern, particularly in the Eastern Counties, and has also been taken up by one of the trade associations?
§ Mr. PeartIf there is any difficulty affecting one particular trade I will be only too pleased to have the information. As the hon. Gentleman knows, a levy has been imposed affecting certain imports.