HC Deb 02 April 1969 vol 781 cc464-5
9. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what percentage food imports have risen since January, 1966: and how the rate of increase of home production compares.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)

Food imports were some 4½ per cent. higher by volume in the calendar year 1968 than in 1966, and home agricultural output some 4 per cent. higher in the farm year 1968–69 than in 1966–67.

Mr. Godman Irvine

What was the hon. Gentleman's calculation regarding the position in 12 months as a result of the present Price Review?

Mr. Mackie

One cannot make meaningful comparisons of short-term changes in the way the hon. Gentleman suggests, but over the long term there is no doubt that the growth of output has exceeded that of imports.

Mr. Maclennan

Will my hon. Friend explain why these increases occurred and say whether he is satisfied that what is happening is in accordance with the selective expansion programme where-under our increased demands are to be met by domestic production?

Mr. Mackie

These increases arose because of an increase in demand, but they are being met by an increase in production in this country.

25. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the value in each of the next five years of imports of food which cannot be produced in this country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hoy

The value of imports of food which cannot be produced in this country fluctuates considerably from year to year on account of many factors, such as general trade fluctuations and the supply and demand situation overseas. The effect of these cannot be predicted at all precisely and therefore I am unable to provide estimates for future years.

Sir J. Gilmour

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that very evasive Answer. Would he not agree that there is ample evidence that there are many commodities which, with a rising population, we are bound to import every year and that therefore the food import bill must increase considerably every year?

Mr. Hoy

I think that the hon. Gentleman meant to say "accurate" instead of "evasive". It is true that the volume of imports has increased marginally in recent years by about 1 per cent. but obviously, with devaluation, prices did go up, and that, of course, was another effect. But the volume increase was about 1 per cent.