HC Deb 13 October 1975 vol 897 cc834-5
2. Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, if he is satisfied with the state of the dairy industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris

I and the other agricultural Ministers have been considering, as a matter of urgency, what further measures are open to the Government to improve the position of dairy farmers, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture is actively engaged on this issue in Luxembourg this week. He will be making a statement as soon as possible.

Mr. Howells

Will the Minister give an assurance that he will do everything in his power to prevent milk rationing this Christmas? Does he have any plans to import liquid milk?

Mr. Morris

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am very conscious of the problems of the milk industry. I am concerned by the figures revealed in the last June return. On rationing, although milk output has declined in recent months there is no reason to think that milk rationing will be necessary.

Mr. Biffen

Has the Secretary of State represented to his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the necessity for an urgent revaluation of the green pound?

Mr. Morris

I am not in a position to tell the hon. Gentleman what representations do or do not take place between Ministers. Obviously, the revaluation of the green pound is one of the matters which is of great concern to the farming industry.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

Is the Secretary of State aware of the impact of the current milk situation not only on the income levels of farmers but on the job security of those employed in creameries? There are two creameries in my constituency and I am gravely concerned about the short-term position and the long-term viability of those units.

Mr. Morris

Yes, I am certainly fully aware of the position. Last week I met the two regional panel chairmen, who advised my right hon. Friend and myself concerning both North and South Wales. They set out their views to me at some length. In recent weeks I have also met one of the farming unions which, among other matters, set out to me the concern of the manufacturing industry.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

But what is the Minister actually doing, other than being concerned? He has said that he is concerned about the June returns. They should not have surprised him. All the indicators have been there for over a year. What is he actually doing apart from being concerned?

Mr. Morris

If the hon. Gentleman had done me the favour of listening to my original answer he would have heard me say that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is engaged on this matter in Luxembourg this week and will make a statement as soon as possible.