HC Deb 15 February 1967 vol 741 cc596-7
10. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will initiate an inquiry into how the balance of payments position of this country could be strengthened by an expansion in British agriculture.

Mr. Peart

The selective expansion programme was drawn up in the light of a full inquiry into the contribution which agriculture could best make to the national economy. The Government have since made it clear that the present economic situation underlines the importance of the programme. I am now considering at the Annual Review the industry's progress towards the objectives of the programme.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Is the Minister aware that his policies do not convince the farming community that he himself is convinced that agriculture can contribute to the balance of payments? Would he not, therefore, think that such an inquiry would be valuable if only, perhaps, to educate himself?

Mr. Peart

I am convinced about the value of import savings, and the importance of the selective expansion programme. I am only sorry that hon. Members opposite are not as yet convinced of the importance of having a long-term programme which goes to 1970.

Mr. Stodart

Does the Minister recall his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister saying that we shall not solve our balance of payments problems without a vigorous import substitution through increased agricultural production? Where is the evidence of the vigour of that expansion, particularly when he considers today's import figures?

Mr. Peart

The hon. Member must appreciate that the selective expansion programme is the Government's policy and has been accepted by the industry. The Annual Review is the machinery whereby we assess progress and what shall be done.

Mr. Rankin

Is it not worth noting at this point in the negotiations that our gold and dollar reserves now stand at about £1,760 million, and those in France and Italy measure about £2,760 million?

Mr. Peart

We are not involved in the kind of negotiations my hon. Friend mentioned. He will appreciate that in the annual review discussions I take note of every economic factor.