§ 3. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now introduce a levy system for food imports in order to achieve the objectives of expansion of home agriculture outlined on 12th November, 1968.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesNo, Sir. I do not accept that the attainment of the extended selective expansion programme requires the abandonment of our present support system or the introduction of an across the board levy system.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMay we have an assurance that, in the absence of effective import control through the levy system, sufficient money will be available from the Treasury at the Price Review in order to finance deficiency payments at a level necessary to provide the incentive needed for expansion?
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe hon. Gentleman must appreciate that these are matters for the annual Price Review discussions, which will shortly be taking place between the farmers' representatives and the Government.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware of the strong criticism of the levy system by some of the best informed farmers in Scotland, including the Chairman of the Milk Marketing Board and others? Is he further aware that they have asked the Conservative Party to change its policy? Will he take these matters into consideration?
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesI have read with great interest the reactions of farmers to the declared policy of the Opposition.