HC Deb 02 March 1966 vol 725 c1292
44. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much it is intended to reduce the import of temperate foodstuffs as a percentage of the total United Kingdom consumption of these foodstuffs in the years, 1965, 1966 and 1967.

Mr. John Mackie

Under the National Plan home agriculture is expected to be able to meet a major part of the increasing demand for temperate foodstuffs. It will therefore save imports which would otherwise be required but it is not expected to reduce total food imports below their present level.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Is it or is it not the policy of the Government that we should produce at home an increasing percentage for a growing market?

Mr. Mackie

If the hon. Gentleman had studied the National Plan, particularly the Chapter in Part II which was put in by the industry, he would have realised, on proper calculations, that the technical possibilities of the industry are just about what we are asking for between now and 1970.