HC Deb 02 April 1969 vol 781 cc471-2
23. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on imports of dairy produce.

26. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now reached an agreement with the Irish Government over the importation of cheese into this country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

I would refer the hon. Members to the replies given by me to my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 18th March and by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) on 20th March, to which I have nothing to add.—[Vol. 780, c. 63; Vol. 780, c. 148.]

Mr. Peyton

When will the right hon. Gentleman have something to add? There has been a lot of talk for a long time. We were told that the Board of Trade is mulling the problem over, but meanwhile these stocks of products continue to mount. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has some sympathy from this side of the House in his immense task of overcoming the lack of knowledge, lack of sympathy and lack of understanding in the Board of Trade towards this industry?

Mr. Hughes

I appreciate and share the hon. Gentleman's concern for milk producers in relation to the production of cheese and the large stocks which have been accumulating over the last 12 months, but it is right to point out that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade came to a remarkably speedy decision in relation to a prima facie conclusion on the anti-dumping application, and he is due to make a very important further announcement this afternoon.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Is not the value of this new agreement with Eire strictly limited, bearing in mind that virtually the same tonnage of cheese will still be imported? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Eire Government are planning to step up the production of other dairy products, particularly cream?

Mr. Hughes

No precise figures have been given yet. The important point to remember is that there is agreement to limit exports of cheese from Eire to this country.

Mr. Stodart

Does the right hon. Gentleman subscribe to the view expressed by the Prime Minister some years ago that the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement would do nothing to prejudice the interests of the farmers of this country?

Mr. Hughes

The agreement is working well.