HC Deb 27 October 1965 vol 718 cc145-7
30. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his official discussions in Australia and New Zealand, with particular reference to the Govern- ment's proposals as outlined in the National Plan.

Mr. Peart

I was invited by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand primarily to see something of their agriculture, not to conduct official discussions. Naturally I met Ministers and others who raised questions informally on a wide range of matters, including the rôle of agriculture under the National Economic Plan. I was able to assure them that there was no intention of indiscriminate expansion regardless of our international commitments. But I made it clear that our policy of selective expansion, based on greater productivity, would provide the British farmer with an opportunity to supply a major part of the overall increase in demand expected by 1970.

Mr. Mills

I have heard what the Minister says on this matter. Many of us feel that there has been a certain amount of double-talk in what he said out there. Would he not agree that the British farmer has the right to know what proportion of this extra production he is going to be allowed to take up? Would he not also agree that the Commonwealth farmer also has the right to know? Would the Minister bear in mind that longer-term planning is needed to get this extra production, and we would like to have the figures?

Mr. Peart

I refute the accusation of double-talk. I made my position and the Government's policy quite clear—that the British farmer would make a major contribution to the production of more food in this country to meet the increased demand by 1970. I was quite firm with my audiences there. I am on the record officially, and I would invite the hon. Member to read my official pronouncement which I made in New Zealand. I hope that the hon. Member will withdraw that accusation of double-talk.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Has not the Minister promised the same thing for the home producers and the producers in Australia and New Zealand, namely, an increasing share of the rising demand in this country? How can he possibly square that with giving the home producers the major part?

Mr. Peart

How can I promise both things to both sections? I have said that the British farmer will make the biggest contribution and will contribute the major share in the growth that I have mentioned. I am rather surprised that the hon. Member should make a game of such a statement.

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