§ 3. Mr. Douglasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the gross domestic product is contributed by agriculture; and what are his estimates of this percentage in each year to 1975.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartAgriculture contributed 3 per cent. of the gross domestic product in 1970. There are too many unknown factors involved to make reliable forecasts for the remainder of the period.
§ Mr. DouglasDoes the hon. Gentleman accept that in terms of imports agriculture plays an important part in the economy? Does he agree that any departure from the policies which have 844 resulted in this achievement—in particular, by support of the common agricultural policy in the E.E.C.—might have a detrimental effect on British agriculture and prices and the price level?
§ Mr. StodartI agree that agriculture has played a very important part, but I do not go with the hon. Gentleman on the second part of his supplementary question.