HC Deb 11 April 1974 vol 872 cc617-9
8. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to end the levy on cheese imported from countries outside the EEC.

Mr. Buchan

The levies are required under the rules of the common agricultural policy. The operation of the common agricultural policy is one of the matters to be covered in the negotiations referred to in the statement made to the Council of Ministers on 1st April by my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.

Mr. Body

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the levy on cheese now imported from outside the Common Market is £247.69 a ton, and even in the case of New Zealand, with which we have a special arrangement under the Treaty of Accession, the levy—or tax—on what used to be cheap cheddar from that source has now risen to £217.95 a ton? Does this levy now make any sense, when we are being told by members of the Milk Marketing Board that there is a real danger of having cheese rationed before the end of this year? Will vigorous action be taken by the Minister of Agriculture in Brussels to bring these levies to an end?

Mr. Buchan

I confirm the figures which the hon. Gentleman has given. I think that it would be better if I did not comment on the discussions which have been initiated by my right hon. Friend. We have outlined to the House the method of approach which we were adopting. The hon. Gentleman will, no doubt, recall some of my own remarks in the past on this and similar levies.

Mr. Jay

Has this levy any purpose other than carrying out the obligations of the common agricultural policy?

Mr. Buchan

I suppose that the short and correct answer is probably "No, Sir".

Mrs. Kellett-Bowman

Knowing that the well being of milk farmers is of vital importance not only to the farmers themselves but to housewives, and knowing that the well being of milk producers and beef producers is inextricably interwoven, will the Minister acknowledge that beef farmers in my constituency are desperately worried about his handling of the beef problem? Since they know that even those who are to benefit from the calf subsidy will receive no benefit until July at the earliest, will the hon. Gentleman kindly meet a delegation of farmers from my constituency at the earliest possible moment during the Easter Recess to discuss their plight?

Mr. Buchan

I take it that the hon. Lady's concern is about cheese if it arises on this Question, though if it relates to another Question it may be about beef.

Mrs. Kellett-Bowman

The whole lot.

Mr. Buchan

We have received a large number of representations. Indeed, I am beginning to think that the threshold of the Ministry of Agriculture has been permanently darkened by the powerful figure of Sir Henry Plumb over the past few weeks.

Mrs. Kellett-Bowman

Answer my question.

Mr. Charles Morrison

Is it not a fact that there is a world shortage of cheese, and does not that shortage stem partly from the easing of import quotas into the United States, with the consequence that much New Zealand cheese which would otherwise come here is now going to the United States? Do not these facts underline the need for increasing milk production at home? In view of the assurance which the hon. Gentleman gave to one of my hon. Friends a few minutes ago, will he say what steps he will take, and when, to encourage the home producer to increase his output?

Mr. Buchan

To a large extent, I answered that question in earlier replies. We are looking at the matter to see to what extent we are required to take any further action. Reverting to my last reply, may I say that I welcome the presence of Sir Henry Plumb. What I was trying to emphasise was how ably the representatives of Britain's farming industry have been putting their case to us over the past five weks.

Mr. Pym

Does not the phrase used by the hon. Gentleman show that he does not understand the magnitude of the difficulties facing agriculture today? Does he not totally underestimate what is actually happening?

Mr. Buchan

No, Sir, I do not.