§ 7. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the concern amongst British farmers over the imports of Dutch cheese and French dried milk; what action he will take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoyI am aware that these imports have been the subject of recent comment. For the last calendar year, they were less than 3 per cent. of total imports of the products in question, and 603 should therefore be kept in perspective. I am not satisfied there is any cause for action by the Government.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWould the Minister agree that the British dairy farmer can make an even greater contribution to the replacement of imports of dairy produce? Would he accept that with the present economic stringency this is the time when they could be given a bigger share than they would have under this arrangement?
§ Mr. HoyWe hope that they will play a bigger part, but, if we expect to sell overseas, we have to buy. But that does not detract from the part which we think this sector of the industry will play in future.