HC Deb 11 March 1970 vol 797 cc1337-8
50. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what decision he has now reached on proposals for beef import controls.

Mr. Hoy

Bilateral discussions with the Governments of our main suppliers of beef on a scheme to stabilise the United Kingdom market for beef and to improve the phasing of beef supplies are still in progress. It is too soon to say what the outcome of these discussions will be.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is much feeling in the industry that the Government's proposals are not much use? In view of the projected increase in home supplies coming on to the market, would he not be better advised to strengthen this policy?

Mr. Hoy

No, I do not think people do regard the proposals as of not much use. In fact, they have already been welcomed this afternoon from the Opposition benches. We have had bilateral discussions with a considerable number of Governments. Discussions with two or three countries have yet to be held, and after that perhaps we can have a multilateral meeting to deal with this problem.

Mr. Maclennan

Will my hon. Friend draw the attention of the House to the contradiction between the opinions of the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. Wolrige-Gordon) and the hon. Member for Westmorland (Mr. Jopling) on this subject? Is he able to say with which countries talks are still outstanding?

Mr. Hoy

Yes, I did draw attention to the divergence of view that had been expressed on the benches opposite. Further bilateral meetings are likely to be held with the Irish Republic, Argentina and Uruguay, and conversations with them have already been held.

Mr. Godber

Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that divergence of view on this side of the House is a phenomenon, but on the Government benches it is a frequent occurrence? In relation to this matter, will he give a fuller explanation of what the Government propose? All we have heard so far is that he is having certain discussions with the trade.

Mr. Hoy

I am sure the right hon. Gentleman will not expect me to reply to the first part of his supplementary question. It was a very good defence, and I will leave it at that.

An Hon. Member

Speak up.

Mr. Hoy

I thought that I was speaking up. All I am saying is that these discussions have been held with a considerable number of countries, and a few more have still to be held. It would be inadvisable to make proposals public until such time as conversations have been completed and perhaps until the multilateral meeting has taken place.