HC Deb 25 February 1970 vol 796 cc1186-7
22. Mr. Maclennan

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to increase the exports of beef and fat lamb to European Free Trade Association countries and the European Economic Community, respectively.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Exports of beef and mutton and lamb in 1968 were 6,300 tons and in 1969 14,700 tons, most of them to the E.E.C.

Mr. Maclennan

I welcome this increase. Is my hon. Friend aware that much could be done and that there is a widespread impression in the farming community that the Board of Trade does not assist in the promotion of exports, of livestock in particular, as it does in the export of manufactured goods?

Mrs. Dunwoody

The Board of Trade provides specialised services to assist those who wish to export. We have constantly been changing and improving our techniques. We do everything possible to assist anyone in any market in which he is capable of competing. The figures that I have just given in no way bear out my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Peter Mills

Is the hon. Lady aware that many farmers are mystified at the Board of Trade's attitude, particularly as it has stopped the export of pig meat to the Continent and at the same time has not allowed fertilisers to enter Britain cheaper than they can be produced here? The farming community is baffled.

Mrs. Dunwoody

It must be easy to baffle the farming community. Hon. Members opposite are always asking us to take anti-dumping action to protect their own products, but when we take it in respect of a product such as fertilisers they are the first to accuse us of double-dealing. The Board of Trade consults the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and takes into account all the interests of the farming community. If one quarter of the energy which is put into pushing the protection of one aspect here were put into pushing the protection of the consumer, the House would get a much better picture of what is happening.