§ 8. Mr. James Davidsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will express the quantities of beef, bacon, pork, lamb, oats, barley, soft wheat, eggs, and dairy products other than cheese, imported into the United Kingdom during the last complete period of 12 months for which figures are available, as a percentage of United Kingdom consumption over the same period.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)The Question 1274 asks for a number of statistics, and I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. DavidsonWhile thanking the Minister for his reply—and I look forward to seeing these figures—may I ask him if he is aware—as I am sure he is—that the products listed are those in which the British farming industry can bear competition with any farming industry in the world, both in terms of quality and economy? May I ask that he keep that in the forefront of his mind during the forthcoming negotiations and in the form of the Price Review?
§ Mr. MackieI am aware of the points the hon. Gentleman has mentioned, and I will bear them in mind.
§ Following are the statistics:
| UNITED KINGDOM IMPORTS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF SUPPLIES GOING FOR CONSUMPTION (a) | |
| (Year Ending June 1968) | |
| Beef and Veal | 21 |
| Bacon and Ham | 66 |
| Pork | 3 |
| Mutton and Lamb | 56 |
| Oats | — |
| Barley | 1 |
| Wheat | 51 |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Butter | 96 |
| Whole Milk Powder | 58 |
| Skimmed Milk Powder | 48 |
§ (a) United Kingdom imports of the main products (excluding canned and otherwise preserved) have been expressed as a percentage of home production plus imports less exports and stock adjustments. Separate information on beef, bacon and lamb is not available.
§ 9. Mr. James Davidsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the value and source of beef, bacon, pork, lamb, oats, barley, soft wheat, eggs, and dairy products other than cheese, respectively, imported into the United Kingdom during the last complete period of 12 months for which figures are available.
§ Mr. John MackieDetained information is given in the Overseas Trade Accounts of the United Kingdom, but I am sending the hon. Member a summary.
§ 17. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the steps he has taken to deal with the problem of imported primary products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesArrangements involving import regulation and designed to promote greater stability on our market already exist for such commodities as cereals and cereal products, bacon, butter and near butters, apples and pears, main crop potatoes and hops. But as I said in my Statement on 12th November, the Government is considering whether further measures for other commodities may be required.
§ Mr. MillsWill the Minister bear in mind that he was wrong in saying recently that the farmers and the National Farmers' Union were in agreement with his policies on import control? They are sick to death of inaction and feel that he is a reed blowing in the wind. We want a Minister of Agriculture who will make up his mind and do something about this.
§ Mr. HughesThe hon. Gentleman must not mislead the House and misinterpret what I said. What I said was that the National Farmers' Union had given a general welcome to the statement I made last week. I realise that they expressed concern about import controls, but it is worth remembering that the policy on general import controls would tend to increase prices here, and we must consider the effect on consumers and the level of consumption. We are looking at the need for further measures, if necessary.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he completely underestimates the feelings of the farmers? Regardless of what the National Farmers' Union says, will he look into this matter? Unless something is done soon, a great many small dairy farmers will be in serious trouble.
§ Mr. HughesThe National Farmers' Union is perfectly aware of the steps which I am taking and welcomes them. Hon. Members must realise that I am, to a certain extent, tied by agreements entered into by the party opposite when in Government.