HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1699-700
11. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has completed his discussions with the National Farmers' Union and the Milk Marketing Board regarding the regulation of imports of milk products; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

My officials have had a useful exchange of views with the National Farmers' Union and the Milk Marketing Board on the impact of imports of certain dairy products, and in particular butter oil, on home production of milk products. The Government are keeping a close watch on developments.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Could the Minister be more forthcoming and say what the Government are doing? Is he aware that imports of skimmed milk powder, so far as dumping is concerned, have proved difficult, and also butter oil in relation to evading the butter quota regulations?

Mr. Peart

If the hon. Member has any evidence of dumping where he can show that material damage has been caused, I will look into it. He knows what is the traditional policy in relation to milk in this country. I am bound by certain agreements which were concluded by my predecessors.

Mr. Godber

Will not the Minister agree that there is grave concern in the industry about developments in this sphere? Will he not further agree that implementation of his own national plan, if it provides the expansion of the dairy herd which he wants, will increase the difficulty? Could he say what action he proposes to take in the longer term?

Mr. Peart

I have said that in my expansion plan we wish to have an increase in the dairy herd, because most of the beef which we require will come from it. Inevitably there will also be more milk products. However, the right hon. Gentleman must know that I am bound by agreements with New Zealand and Denmark, and those agreements were concluded by my predecessors.