HC Deb 22 January 1969 vol 776 cc460-1
7. Sir B. Rhys Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies he has made of the ways in which British agricultural potential can profitably be developed in the long-term in conjunction with the production policies of the principal food-producing countries of Western and Eastern Europe and of the Commonwealth; and what steps he is taking to prevent the development of surpluses such as the present glut of butter.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Problems of surpluses on the world markets cannot be dealt with unilaterally, but the United Kingdom takes a full part in discussion in a number of international organisations. Our own policies are formulated with due regard to international considerations.

Sir B. Rhys Williams

Is it not necessary, for the sake of the British farming community, to give far greater consideration to long-term developments? Has the right hon. Gentleman considered sufficiently the implications of this totally unnecessary butter surplus? How can we be sure that there will not be similar surpluses developing in future?

Mr. Hughes

We are planning for the long term, as I made plain on 12th November. The Government are projecting policy to 1972–73—something which no Government have ever done before. We should certainly consider the surpluses accumulating in various parts of the world, but the hon. Gentleman is surely aware that this country does not produce surpluses.

Mr. Peyton

When is the right hon. Gentleman to make a statement on the problem of dairy products? Obviously, a very serious problem is piling up here and we do not want to imitate the example of the Europeans. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be good enough to explain what he means by being "in the posture of good Europeans".

Mr. Hughes

That should have been apparent even to the hon. Gentleman We have made our application to join E.E.C. and that is our posture at present. I have made a number of statements and speeches about dairy products. There is a world problem of dairy products and we ourselves have a substantial problem in relation to cheese. The cost of cheese has been maintained at a stable level and the hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware of the actions I have taken.