HC Deb 14 June 1979 vol 968 cc603-4
9. Mr. Moate

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his policy to support the retention of the Hops Marketing Board, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wiggin

In principle my right hon. Friend supports the continuation of orderly marketing of hops in this country, but we shall need to look into certain aspects of the present arrangements in the light of points which have been raised by the EEC Commission.

Mr. Moate

Can my hon. Friend confirm that the derogation expires at the end of next year and that it would be regrettable if the present arrangement were to cease? Does he agree that it has operated for 46 years and has secured a stability of supply which is in sharp contrast to the surpluses that have been generated in the EEC? Will he therefore state clearly his intention to see the Hops Marketing board retain roughly its present powers?

Mr. Wiggin

I certainly do not disagree with what my hon. Friend said about the board having done a good job, but he will be aware that there are difficulties over the legal situation as regards some marketing boards in this country. I am sure that when my right hon. Friend is discussing these matters next week he will bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Michael Hamilton

The Minister is aware that I am a member of the board. I am grateful for what he has said about it.

Mr. William Hamilton

It is a quango.

Mr. Michael Hamilton

Does the Minister appreciate that it was the first of the agricultural marketing boards established in this country, that it rescued the industry from over-production and despair, and that, much as I sympathise with my hon. Friend, he is faced with the stark choice of maintaining the present system of marketing or witnessing the end of hop growing in England?

Mr. Wiggin

I certainly recognise the valuable contribution that my hon. Friend has made to the delibertations of the Hops Marketing Board and we shall certainly seek his advice if it seems appropriate. The chairman of the board and the National Farmers' Union will be seeing my right hon. Friend on this subject, and I am sure that my hon. Friend's remarks will be taken into account.