HC Deb 27 October 1970 vol 805 c13
11. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present level of tariffs on imports of lettuce and tomatoes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stodart

The existing tariffs provide a measure of protection for home growers. It remains open to them to apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for changes in the rates of duty. But the policy of the present Government, like that of their predecessors since the statement made by Mr. Christopher Soames on 27th November, 1963, is to reduce the horticultural industry's dependence on the tariff.—[Vol. 685, c. 276–81.]

Mr. Blaker

Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that most of the specific tariffs on these goods were set as long ago as 1953 and that their effectiveness has been severely eroded by inflation? If an application were made to the Minister, would he invite his right hon. Friend to regard it sympathetically?

Mr. Stodart

This is obviously a matter which could very properly be put to my right hon. Friend, and I would strongly advise my hon. Friend to put it.

Mr. Dalyell

Are the Government aware of the anxiety felt by the glasshouse industry in the Clyde Valley about the possible dumping by Rumania and Bulgaria of cucumbers and tomatoes, and what will be done about it?

Mr. Stodart

If there is any question of dumping, and if the industry will produce a reasoned and factual case, I would strongly urge it to go to my right hon. Friend with it.