HC Deb 10 December 1969 vol 793 cc425-6
20. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the percentage in 1969 of home-produced, as compared with total consumption, beef, lamb, butter, cheese, milk, barley, pork and bacon, respectively.

Mr. John Mackie

A high percentage of beef and veal, pork, barley and dried milk is home produced. The percentage is lower for the other commodities mentioned. I will, with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Do not these figures show that there is a considerable leeway in most of the main products, other than liquid milk, for the home producer to increase his share of the market? In view of what his right hon. Friend said last year and at the beginning of this year, what is he doing to increase that share, which at the moment is not being increased at all?

Mr. Mackie

There are no specific targets for the rate of expansion of home production and for the import savings programme, but the general trend is in the right direction. If the hon. Member studies the figures at the start and looks at the position today he will see that.

Mr. Snow

Since there appears to be a world glut of butter, will my hon. Friend consult the appropriate Department—in this case the Ministry of Technology—about our imports of New Zealand butter. New Zealand expects us to import her butter but refuses to accept our aircraft.

Mr. Mackie

I will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to my hon. Friend's comment.

Following is the information:

United Kingdom production of agricultural products as a percentage of supplies for consumption in United Kingdom*
(Year ending June, 1969)
Beef and Veal … … … 74
Mutton and Lamb … … … 40
Butter … … … 10
Cheese … … … 41
Dried Milk … … … 80
Barley … … … 97
Pork … … … 97
Bacon and Ham … … … 36
* United Kingdom production (including production for export) has been expressed as a percentage of home production plus imports (excluding canned and otherwise processed) less exports and stock adjustments. Separate information on beef, lamb, and bacon is not available.