§ 10. Mr. Hendersonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the likely level of demand for malting barley in the coming season.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThat is not possible at this stage as it will depend on several factors, including the quality of the crop and export demand.
§ Mr. HendersonWill my right hon. Friend ensure that British maltsters are fully aware of the excellent quality of the malting barley that is produced throughout Great Britain, especially in east Fife? Will he also ensure that they are fully aware of the excellent production levels that are being achieved? Does he agree that there ought to be no need for them to look abroad for their supplies?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI agree with what my hon. Friend has said. One of the greatest recent successes is the dramatic increase in exports of malt from the United Kingdom to other Community countries and countries outside the Community. That is the result of the high quality of the barley and the quality of the malting process.