§ 20. Mr. Charles Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of beef consumption he expects will be met from home produced supplies in 1972–73.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartIn the fatstock year April, 1972, to March, 1973, home-fed production is expected to provide some 80 per cent. of the total supplies of beef and veal available for consumption in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MorrisonIs my hon. Friend satisfied with that proportion for home production and does he think that home production will be able to meet total demand in view of falling world supplies and falling imports?
§ Mr. StodartYes, sir. There has been a general upward trend over the past three years in beef production and I am certain 219 that the increase in the guaranteed price announced in the recent review for fat cattle and beef will encourage this further.
§ Mr. DeakinsDoes the hon. Gentleman expect that percentage to change if and when we become members of the Common Market?
§ Mr. StodartI would expect that production at home would continue to rise.