HC Deb 02 April 1969 vol 781 cc475-6
30. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, whether, following upon the Price Review, he will now gradually phase out the existing system of deficiency payments and substitute levies to fall specially on imported food which can be grown in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

No, Sir.

Mr. Body

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that no farmer will have the confidence to expand production unless imports are controlled? Can he think of any better or more effective form of controlling imports than a system of import levies?

Mr. Hughes

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that there is already a considerable measure of import control to ensure market stability, but it would be disastrous for the economy of this country and of the Western world if high restrictive tariff barriers were placed around the country.

Mr. Prior

Is not it a terrible commentary on the Government's policy for agriculture that, after four years of so-called selective expansion in agriculture, we had to import nearly 5 per cent. more food in volume last year than the year before?

Mr. Hughes

The hon. Gentleman should be aware that we have met the increased demand for temperate foodstuffs by our own production. That fully justifies the Government's policy.

Mr. Hazell

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that levies by themselves would have little impact on restricting imports and would merely force up prices to the consumer?

Mr. Hughes

I agree. Hon. Members opposite want a total switch to a managed market, and that carries great perils with it.

Mr. Godber

In view of the Minister's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Prior), will he circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the basis of his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Body)? Will not the Minister answer? Will he not now give us the information instead of circulating it? Will he state the basis upon which he gave that answer?

Mr. Hughes

I gave the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Body) a full reply. Hon. Members opposite should pay regard to the possible consequences of the policies advocated by the right hon. Gentleman.

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