§ 29. Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce the import of food from countries with temperate climates.
§ Mr. PeartUnder the Government's selective expansion programme agriculture is expected to make a substantial contribution to import saving. The recent Review award provides the industry with resources to finance further investment needed to achieve the programme. The Agriculture Bill contains other measures to help agriculture to expand production on the basis of increasing productivity.
§ Mr. MonroSurely the only way to achieve the objective of increasing production at home is to reduce imports. Is the right hon. Gentleman making a definite effort to do that?
§ Mr. PeartI stressed in the White Paper that we believe that the fulfilment of the expansion programme will save imports. I cannot go beyond that.
§ Mr. PriorHow can the Minister reduce imports just by producing more at home unless he takes physical action to do so?
§ Mr. PeartI am surprised that the hon. Gentleman is not aware that we estimate in the selective expansion programme that the British people will consume £200 million worth more of produce. I hope that that fact is understood by hon. Members.