HC Deb 27 October 1970 vol 805 cc3-4
2. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he now has for increasing agricultural production; and if he will make a statement.

34. Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to announce his plans for increasing farm production at home in order to save imports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prior

The Government are committed to selective agricultural expan- sion, and the recent adjustment to guaranteed prices was an indication of our resolve.

Mr. Morrison

When does my right hon. Friend intend to introduce the new system of agricultural support?

Mr. Prior

There is a Question on the Order Paper shortly dealing with that.

Mr. Mackenzie

Will the right hon. Gentleman continue to allow Danish bacon to be imported at the present high level?

Mr. Prior

In the last year the amount of Danish bacon imported has fallen and British production has risen. I should like to see British consumers eating more British bacon.

Mr. Hooson

But is the Minister not aware that, at present, if farmers depended on the market alone for their beef and lamb prices and on import control, they would be in dire trouble, and that it is only the subsidy which is maintaining the prices for the farmers?

Mr. Prior

This depends entirely on the level at which the minimum import price alone is assessed.