HC Deb 29 November 1979 vol 974 cc1470-1
10. Mr. John Townend

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his intention to meet the Food end Drink Industries Council.

Mr. Wiggin

No date has been set for their next meeting, but my right hon. Friend hopes to meet the chairman and secretary-general of the Food and Drink Industries Council informally on 17 December.

Mr. Townend

When the Minister meets the officers of the council, will he ask them to consider the abolition of the quango, the Food, Drink and Tobacco Industries Training Board, which many small and medium-sized firms find onerous, expensive and of little value?

Mr. Wiggin

I am sure that my right hon. Friend who has responsibility for training will take note of what my hon. Friend said.

Mrs. Dunwoody

Is the Minister aware that the Food and Drink Industries Council has stated that every time the green pound is devalued fewer people buy goods because prices go up? Will the Minister comment on that?

Mr. Wiggin

That is a fact, and it is not necessary for me to comment. My right hon. Friend has made it clear that in the food chain, from producer to housewife, there must be new cooperation. I am glad to tell the House that there are definite signs of that.