§ 4. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what decline in meat imports, excluding bacon, he estimates will occur in 1969–70; how much additional meat will be supplied from home produced sources, percentum and as tonnage; what estimate he has made of the change in meat prices in 1969–70, as a result of imports substitution; and whether he will make a statement on meat prices.
§ Mr. HoyTotal carcase meat imports are not expected to decline to any significant extent in 1969–70. Additional marketings of home-fed supplies have to some extent been delayed by bad weather at the start of the season, but are expected to increase between now and the end of 1970. The meat market is likely to remain generally firm throughout the year, however, but precise estimates of supply and prices over the next twelve months are not possible because of the many variable factors involved.
§ Sir G. NabarroThat is a very evasive answer. Can the Minister not give us some tangible information in the context of these imports to show how his policy of import substitution is succeeding? What is it worth in terms of increased home production and decline in meat imports, which is the purpose of the Question?
§ Mr. HoyIt is very difficult to forecast, certainly in farming, exactly what the prospects will be 12 months ahead, but we expect a much larger contribution from our own home supply.