HC Deb 17 November 1970 vol 806 cc1022-3
12. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how soon he now intends to introduce higher minimum import prices for cereals.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

As soon as possible after completion of the necessary negotiations with our overseas suppliers.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that whereas import levies offer the prospect of revenue to the Treasury with no comparable charge on the balance of payments, minimum prices offer no direct revenue to the Treasury but weigh directly and precisely on the balance of payments? In view of this, will he make it his policy to move over wherever and whenever possible from minimum import prices to import levies?

Mr. Stodart

There are, at present, certain agreements which do not have very long to run, and it is in connection with these that the negotiations are taking place.

Mr. W. Baxter

What would be the cost to the whisky industry should there be an increase in the price of cereals coming to this country?

Mr. Stodart

There has, of course, already been an increase in the price of barley. Whether or not I should say this I do not know, but perhaps my acquaintance with this gorgeous liquid is not as close as the hon. Member's; and I must inform him that I do not know the answer to his supplementary question.

Mr. W. Baxter

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it not the responsibility of Ministers to know the answers to the problems that confront them in their Ministries?

Mr. Speaker

That is a question which no Speaker has ever answered.