HC Deb 26 February 1969 vol 778 cc1700-1
18. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it remains the Government's policy that food should continue to be bought in the cheapest markets; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

It never has been the Government's policy that our food imports should be bought in the cheapest market regardless of other considerations.

Mr. Marten

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall the Prime Minister saying in that same speech at Bristol that we should continue to buy our food on the cheapest markets in the world? Does that mean that the Common Market levies are not negotiable?

Mr. Hughes

Of course the Government's basic objective is to keep down the United Kingdom food import bill as much as is practicable and desirable, bearing in mind particularly the interests of United Kingdom producers and consumers and such international obligations as it is in our interests to contract.

Mr. Rankin

Before buying in the cheapest market, will my right hon. Friend make sure how the cheapness is achieved?

Mr. Hughes

This is constantly in our minds. As my hon. Friend and the House know, there are anti-dumping procedures which can be taken.

Mr. Godber

But the Minister will surely recognise that his answers to the last two questions have left the House completely confused about his attitude, while the attitude of this side of the House is abundantly clear. Will the right hon. Gentleman spell out his attitude on the matter so that we and the farmers may know it?

Mr. Hughes

I have spelt out my views very carefully, as the right hon. Gentleman knows. If I spelt them out again now, it would take a very long time. To summarise my view, whilst we are outside the Community we should want to think very carefully before making the kind of fundamental changes the right hon. Gentleman now advocates. The present support system in agriculture has served the farmers of this country and the economy very well, and it remains suited to our present requirements. There are many snags in the Opposition's proposals, and I have dealt with them in speeches from time to time.