§ 13. Mr. Knoxasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food to what extent the United Kingdom is self-sufficient in butter; and how this compares with the position in 1979.
§ Mr. MacGregorProduction of butter is estimated to have represented 64 per cent. of total new supplies in 1982, compared with 47 per cent. in 1979.
§ Mr. KnoxDo not those figures represent a remarkable improvement since the Government came into power, and a striking improvement since the early 1970s? Is my hon. Friend satisfied that dairy farmers have been adequately rewarded?
§ Mr. MacGregorI agree with my hon. Friend about the tremendous improvement in our self-sufficiency, which is due to increased productivity and other reasons within our dairy industry. He will know that last year there was a resonable and substantial rise in dairy farm net incomes, which should be seen in the context of declining real incomes in earlier years. Therefore, I hope he will feel that the point that he is making is reflected in that increase.
§ Mr. DeakinsIs that not an increased share of a diminishing market? What is so good about that?
§ Mr. MacGregorI would have thought that the fact that we were increasing our self-sufficiency in an area where we can do so would be widely welcomed.