HC Deb 16 October 1968 vol 770 c350
2. Mr. Monro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made in reducing the import of dairy produce.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Imports of butter, near-butters and butter mixtures are subject to quota. Discussions are proceeding with overseas suppliers with a view to a measure of voluntary limitation on the export of cheddar-type cheese to our market.

Mr. Monro

Will not the Minister agree that these voluntary agreements do not seem to be working? Can he not take more definite action to prevent an increase in the import of dairy products?

Mr. Hughes

The hon. Gentleman will know that discussions are still in progress, and therefore it would not be possible for me to comment on that point. But I should add that the news that discussions are taking place has had a good effect on market sentiment, which still persists.

Mr. Godber

But will not the Minister admit that his proposals for the control of imports in this way have failed? Will he not address himself to some real way of effectively reducing cheese imports, which are having an intolerable effect? Will he not impose quotas, such as has been done with butter?

Mr. Hughes

I came to the conclusion that the steps I am now taking are the best and most rapid method of controlling the imports of cheese to this country. It is quite wrong to say that they have failed: the negotiations are still proceeding.