HC Deb 18 January 1971 vol 809 cc500-2
16. Mr. John Wells

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the commercial advantage to the United Kingdom of importing horticultural produce already in over-supply in exchange for horticultural equipment that will further increase horticultural production in the supplying countries of Eastern Europe.

47. Mr. Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the commercial advantage to the United Kingdom of importing horticultural produce already in over-supply in exchange for horticultural equipment that will further increase horticultural production in the supplying countries of Eastern Europe.

Mr. John Davies

I think it safe to assume that this trade would not take place unless the traders concerned in this country, both as exporters and as importers, found it to their commercial advantage.

Mr. Wells

In view of the situation in cucumbers last year—[Laughter.] It is all very well for hon. Members opposite to laugh, but they drew their salaries while a great many British horticulturists did not draw any money last year. In view of the cucumber situation last year, which may not have been profitable to importers, will my right hon. Friend have urgent consultations with the market in order to get imports phased in at a proper rate, so that if these imports have to come in they may at least be profitable, as he has indicated, and not damage the home trade?

Mr. Davies

There is intensive discussion with the industries concerned, and with horticulture in particular, on these issues. However, the impact of this situation should not be exaggerated. The horticultural element is very small in the kind of arrangements which are entered into, particularly with Eastern European countries.

Mr. Emery

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that, in the negotiations which he says took place, there was strong feeling among farming interests that the treaty was disadvantageous to farming generally? If that is the case, surely there is an argument that the farming interests were not as happy about this matter as he suggests.

Mr. Davies

I take it that my hon. Friend refers to the arrangements made with Romania. I can well understand that there was some dissatisfaction, but the balance of the matter must be considered as well. The export value contract was very considerable indeed.

Mr. Fernyhough

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, whatever the effect of this agreement upon cucumber growers, the effect of going into the Common Market will be disastrous to them?