§ 27. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he is taking to promote exports of British livestock and agricultural produce.
§ Mr. MeacherWe seek to encourage British livestock and agricultural exporters to make full use of the Government's export services; and the 1976 programme for this sector includes support for 82 participants in eight specialised agricultural fairs overseas and 69 members of nine outward missions.
§ Mr. HardyEven so, given the historic and considerable regard for British livestock, and given the skill of our farmers and the higher retail prices of processed food products on the Continent, could not even more be done, or does my hon. Friend think that there are still serious, if non-legislative, barriers to discourage aid?
§ Mr. MeacherAs my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food made clear on 25th May, the recommendations of the Strutt Report on this matter are still being considered. Last year the level of exports of livestock and agricultural products more than doubled over the year before.