§ 20 and 26. Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will hold consultations with European Economic Community and European Free Trade Association countries with a view to defining the contribution Great Britain can make to solving the problems of agricultural surpluses and deficits in those countries;
(2) what studies he has made to establish the pattern of long-term development of the agricultural industries of Western European countries, including Great Britain; and what place the agricultural industry of Great Britain will take in such development.
§ Mr. HoyThe United Kingdom already plays a full part in the international organisations which are concerned with developments in agriculture and with the agricultural policies of European countries, and these matters are best pursued in such bodies.
§ Sir B. Rhys WilliamsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the publication of the Mansholt Report has given rise to intense concern in the agricultural community, particularly in Germany and France, and that this is taking the form of opposition to any idea of extension of the Community? Will the Minister see what can be done to counter that feeling on the Continent, so as to smooth our way, if we intend to join the Community?
§ Mr. HoyThe report has obviously been brought to our attention, but as we are major food importers we cannot be 1392 accused of causing the surpluses. On balance of payments grounds alone, we could not go on importing food to this extent just to help those countries to dispose of their high surpluses. We have to plan our agriculture to meet our own requirements and I hope that in the course of conferences which it has been my privilege to attend on many occasions we can persuade those countries to adopt similar policies to those that are already in force here.
§ Mr. HazellBefore issuing any comforting words on their agricultural policy to European countries, will my hon. Friend bear in mind their impact on our own agricultural industry?