HC Deb 20 July 1966 vol 732 cc617-8
47. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the quantity of meat which will be imported annually into this country from New Zealand during the currency of the recently negotiated agreement whereby imports of meat from New Zealand will be without restriction in quantity until September, 1972.

Mr. Peart

The quantity will depend on supply and demand but I do not foresee any marked divergence from current trends.

Sir J. Gilmour

As the New Zealand meat producers have announced plans to diversify the sale of lamb from New Zealand, and particularly to review what is sold to the United Kingdom and North America would not the hon. Gentleman agree that he ought to be able to give encouragement to those producing lamb in this country to increase the amount for the home market?

Mr. Peart

Certainly, Sir. That was the purpose of our National Economic Plan, to have a selective approach to increased production.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I must ask the House to be fair to those who have Questions to ask.

Mr. Peart

We have encouraged home production, and that was the purpose of the last review.

Mr. Godber

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that this agreement will not run counter in any way to the assurance given in the National Plan that the major part of the increased requirement would come from home farmers?

Mr. Peart

Certainly we stand by the National Plan.

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