§ 22. Sir G. Nabarroasked the President of the Board of Trade what import substitution results have been achieved since the Prime Minister's statement in January 1968, especially in agriculture; and what further measures he proposes for obtaining imports substitution including antidumping orders.
§ Mr. DellIt is not possible to put a figure to the import saving which has taken place over the whole range of imports since the Prime Minister's statement. As regards agriculture, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food gave to the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 26th February. As far as further measures are concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him in answer to a similar Question on 11th December last.—[Vol. 778; c. 1705–6; Vol. 775, c. 143.]
§ Sir G. NabarroWill the Board of Trade Ministers try to understand the genuine concern of hon. Members on both sides of the House seeking to aid balance of payments matters by establishing what progress is being made in import-substitution? Where can we get the figures, if not from the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. DellI understand the concern in all sections of the House. As the hon. Gentleman knows, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food told the House on 26th February that the increase in home food consumption has been met to a large extent by the additional production of products which we can grow. There are many other examples known to the House of assistance given to import substitution. One major example recently considered by the House was the aluminium smelter.
§ Mr. LiptonIn import substitution, is the Board of Trade doing anything to encourage British manufacturers of juke boxes so that they can be substituted for the American products?
§ Mr. DellThat is a very interesting question. I hope that my hon. Friend will allow me to write to him.