HC Deb 10 December 1969 vol 793 cc430-1
39. Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the value and tonnage of cereal imports from Romania in each of the next five years.

Mr. Hoy

While the total quantity and value of our cereal imports is reasonably stable, supplies from individual countries tend to vary widely from one year to another. It would not therefore be practicable to make an estimate relating to one country alone.

Mr. Kitson

is it not a fact that we have agreed to take payment for a £32 million irrigation scheme which has been sold to Romania, through a consortium, in temperate foodstuffs?

Mr. Hoy

We have come to certain arrangements, and there are also certain private arrangements. As I was saying earlier, when I do not think the hon. Gentleman was here, trade is something that moves two ways.

40. Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the value and tonnage of chilled meat imports from Romania in each of the next five years.

Mr. Hoy

I am not able to give detailed forecasts of meat imports from particular countries. In recent years Romania has sent us only small quantities of carcase meat. In 1968, for example, Romanian supplies represented less than one half of 1 per cent. of our total imports of all carcase meat and offal. The level of her supplies in future is not expected to increase to any significant extent.

Mr. Kitson

As we are taking payment for the £32 million irrigation scheme partly in chilled meat will the Minister watch this position very carefully, because if a large quantity comes in and the subsidy has to go up, how much better off are we?

Mr. Hoy

We are bound to keep a watch on all these things which take place when trade agreements are negotiated. I see no reason to fear that this will go on to any great extent. Obviously, in the course of deliveries one has to keep one's eye on things.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Short of increasing the total consumption on the home market, how does the taking in of extra meat from Romania tie up with an expansion programme at home?

Mr. Hoy

Hon. Gentlemen opposite argue that consumption will always be a fixed figure, but it is increasing. This is why we think there is room for an increase in our own production and a limited amount of imports.