§ 2. Mr. Blakerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the result of his examination of ways of bringing greater stability into the market for tomatoes and lettuce.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Hoy)Short-term fluctuations in supply and demand resulting from changing weather conditions are an inescapable feature of the market for salad crops. Subject to this, growers can better meet the varying needs of the market and secure an improved return for their produce by co-operation in marketing. My right hon. Friend has no special examination of tomatoes and lettuces in hand; but developments in 1232 the horticultural industry, including the glasshouse sector, are being studied this year in consultation with the farmers' unions in the third examination of the horticultural industry.
§ Mr. BlakerIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that growers will not think that answer takes us very far? Could he tell the House what study the Government have made of the position of growers of this produce if we were to enter the Common Market?
§ Mr. HoyThat does not arise on the Question asked by the hon. Member, but I can assure him that we go into this very carefully, and, as I have pointed out, we are discussing it with the unions as part of the examination of the horticultural industry. I am certain that the reports of these examinations always prove valuable.
§ Mr. RankinCan we be assured that the greater stability now being sought will bring a greater supply of tomatoes?