§ 7. Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present level of self-sufficiency in dairy products in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacGregorEstimates prepared by the Milk Marketing Board indicate that in 1982 for milk and milk products the United Kingdom was 91 per cent. self-sufficient in butterfat and 131 per cent. self-sufficient in solids non-fat.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes my hon. Friend agree that that enormous increase in self-sufficiency is a remarkable track record for an industry which, over the years has shown immense technical expertise, innovation and ingenuity? When he and his hon. Friend have analysed the current proposals that are being studied, will he take great care not to adopt a course that will result in the stultification or ossification of an industry that is so important to the United Kingdom economy?
§ Mr. MacGregorI entirely agree with my hon. Friend's tribute to the industry. It is interesting to note that much of the movement towards self-sufficiency has taken place during the last few years. The increases in the production of milk products reduce the need for imports, provide additional jobs in the industry, as well as in manufacturing, and help our economy in many other 976 ways. In our discussions on the surpluses Community-wide and the problems involved, we do not intend to agree to solutions which will ossify the industry in the way my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mr. William RossDoes the Minister agree that during the past few years farmers have been encouraged to increase dairy production, but that their efforts have been ruined as a result of the decision taken last night in the House?
§ Mr. MacGregorAs I said in the wide-ranging debate that we had last night, we do not believe that it will have those consequences. In our view, that is not the kind of problem that we face as a result of the tremendous improvements in production that the industry has carried out in the past few years.
§ Mr. DeakinsIs it not clear that milk processors in the United Kingdom are being encouraged to see an expanded market for their production, in spite of widespread Community surpluses, by the principle of degressivity for New Zealand butter imports?
§ Mr. MacGregorThey would have a tiny impact on the surpluses and other problems.
§ Mr. LeighWill my hon. Friend comment on the disturbing rumours that were apparent yesterday afternoon in the House that some parts of the Dairy Trade Federation favour the importation of raw milk in tanker loads from the continent so as to undermine the Milk Marketing Board?
§ Mr. MacGregorCertainly we received representations to that effect. However, I repeat what I said in the House last night — that my right hon. Friend totally resisted such requests in connection with the regulations which the House agreed last night.
§ Mr. Robert HughesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his statement last night during the dying moments of the debate caused great consternation, and that it is denied by the Dairy Trade Federation? Which organisations or bodies made representations to him on the importation of raw milk? Will he publish the list in the Library?
§ Mr. MacGregorLast night I made it clear that the discussions were in confidence. I said that representations were made to my right hon. Friend that under the regulations we should consider the introduction of certain types of raw milk for processing.