HC Deb 06 May 1982 vol 23 cc267-8
3. Mr. Cockeram

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the degree of co-operation between sections of the food industry will enable him to develop properly his marketing initiative in the best interests of consumers, processors and agricultural producers.

Mr. Peter Walker

There is wide recognition in the food and agriculture industries of the need for a more co-ordinated effort to improve the marketing of British food and agricultural produce. My discussions with leaders of the industries concerned suggest that we can establish the right basis for co-operation among all sectors.

Mr. Cockeram

Does my right hon. Friend regard the successful reorganisation of marketing in the apple industry as a good augury for his initiative to reorganise marketing in the bacon industry?

Mr. Walker

Yes. There has been a substantial and deserved improvement in the British apple industry, largely through its own efforts, but encouraged by the Government. I am pleased that this month the British bacon industry is to launch a new campaign for British bacon which will guarantee a high quality product for the housewife, reduce imports and increase our share of the domestic market.

Mr. John Carlisle

I appreciate my right hon. Friend's moves towards help for co-operatives and the co-operative movements, but will he not forget those in the private sector who have invested vast amounts of money over the years? Will he give an absolute assurance that the cooperative sector will not receive any benefits in tax relief or grants which may be to the detriment of the private sector?

Mr. Walker

I can only say that the markets in which initiatives have been taken—apples and bacon—are primarily in the private sector, not in the co-operative sector. I believe that there is a need to encourage co-operation between British farmers to improve their marketing, and I shall continue to do that.

Mr. Skinner

Will the Minister explain why the Government, who base their whole philosophy on market forces and non-interference by the Government, nevertheless intervene positively in all these areas of agriculture to distort pure market forces? Does he enjoy that?

Mr. Walker

It is nothing compared with the intervention in the coal industry.