HC Deb 20 November 1968 vol 773 cc1270-1
4. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, having regard to the selective expansion programme, by how much home agricultural output has risen compared with food imports; and whether he will make a statement concerning intensification of the programme of imports' substitution for foodstuffs, in view of the National Farmers' Union estimate of a saving of £250 million per annum, in imported food, given attractive prices for review commodities.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Between 1964–65 and 1967–68 the volume of total agricultural output increased by some 5 per cent.; imports of food and feeding-stuffs rose by about 4 per cent., but almost all of this increase was in tropical and other kinds of food we cannot grow here. As to the second part of the question, I have already made a statement on the Government's broad objectives for agriculture.—[Vol. 773, c. 210–13.]

Sir G. Nabarro

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the import savings he indicated in his statement last week represent about one-quarter of the potential of import saving of which agriculture is capable, in that he has spread all his programme over twice as long as necessary and at only half the rate of which the industry is capable? Will he take action more dynamic and stop faltering in his feeble approach to these important matters?

Mr. Hughes

The hon. Gentleman should study the report of the N.E.D.C. on agriculture.

Sir G. Nabarro

I know it by heart.

Mr. Hughes

If he does that he will realise that the programme which I announced is the most dynamic which has been announced for many years. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] It is certainly more effective than anything that was done by the party opposite in the 13 years it was in power. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the programme I announced was over a shorter time scale than the N.E.D.C. Report.

Mr. Godber

In the light of that Report, will the Minister study his own White Paper for the last Price Review and see that the figures show that there was a much sharper increase in production in the time when we were in power than during the last three years?

Mr. Hughes

I certainly do not accept that.