§ 45. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the value of meat exports in the first quarter of 1966 compared with the same period in 1965.
§ Mr. PeartExports of carcase meat of cattle, sheep and pigs, and offal, were valued at £3,337,000 in the first quarter of 1966 compared with £855,000 in the corresponding period of 1965.
Exports of live animals—other than for breeding—and including our very substantial trade with the Irish Republic, were valued at £5,674,000 in the first quarter of 1966 compared with £5,289,000 in the corresponding period of 1965.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as a result on the ban on exports of meat, many individuals and firms who have built up this valuable trade are likely to suffer loss through having to break contracts with customers overseas? Is he in a position to say whether he is prepared to compensate those people where they suffer loss?
§ Mr. PeartI cannot do that. I took this step because I believed that it was right to protect our own beef supplies for the home consumer.
§ Mr. NobleWill the right hon. Gentleman look at this carefully because, over the past year, there has been a considerable development of exporting high-quality Scottish produce, in particular, to the Continent? This is of great benefit and may be of greater benefit to the country in future. Will he keep his mind open if the position appears reasonable?
§ Mr. PeartI hope that, after the strike is over, exports will build up again, but I had to take the action I did in order to protect the domestic consumer at this time.