§ 4. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what contribution to import substitution has been made by British agriculture during the 14 months ended 1st March, 1970.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesIt is not possible to make a meaningful assessment over such a period.
§ Sir G. NabarroWhy does the Minister continue to boast to the farmers that his import substitution policy is such a hilarious success? Is this not as bogus as all of his other food and farming policies?
§ Mr. HughesThe hon. Gentleman must not use exaggerated language, although we have come to expect it from him. He will know perfectly well that over the years output has been moving upwards, and we want this to continue. This is what is important.
§ Mr. StodartDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that import substitution could really help mutton and lamb? Has he seen the answer given by his hon. Friend yesterday that last year the supply from the home market to total consumption was only 33 per cent. of the total compared with 43 per cent. two years 1319 ago? Is this not a devastating indictment of the policy of so-called import substitution?
§ Mr. HughesIt is not a devastating indictment because output has been going up consistently over the years. I have answered a number of Questions about sheep over the last few months, as the hon. Gentleman knows, because he has asked some of them. I would agree with him and the House that there has been a decline in the national sheep flock, and it is our policy to check and offset this. This is being discussed as part of the Review consultations.