§ 9. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with current arrangements for the supply of feedstuffs for livestock.
§ Mr. John SilkinSince my statement to the House on 22 January I am pleased to be able to report that the supply of animal feedingstuffs has much improved. Most feed manufacturers are receiving adequate supplies of raw materials and are reintroducing their better quality rations. I am hopeful that arrangements will soon be back to normal.
§ Mr. RidleyThe House will be glad that this cruel threat to animals has been averted. Does the Minister agree that the greatest threat to the wellbeing of animals came from secondary picketing and not exports? Would not the RSPCA be better advised to urge a change in the law on picketing to the other Silkin?
§ Mr. SilkinThe hon. Gentleman might address part of that question to the other Silkin.
After the code of practice was agreed with the TGWU, the problem of animal feedingstuffs and the danger of their short supply began to diminish. Indeed, recently I was pleased to receive the public commendation of Mr. Tom Boden, the deputy president of the NFU, and Mr. Sidney Robinson of UKASTA at the way in which my Department and I managed to safeguard the passage of animal feedstuffs.
§ Mr. JayIs my right hon. Friend aware that maize and barley, which are major feedingstuffs for the British livestock industry, now bear an import tax approaching 100 per cent. as a result of the European Communities Act and that that Act was supported by, amongst others, the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley)?
§ Mr. SilkinI was aware of both those facts. As the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) is so keen on the welfare of animals, he may draw the conclusions himself.