HC Deb 14 February 1985 vol 73 cc463-4
1. Sir Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the drop in food consumption from United Kingdom production over the last four years.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)

Agricultural production, at constant prices, has increased by about 12 per cent. over the last four years. During the same period home-produced food has maintained its share of a static domestic market but exports have increased significantly.

Sir Peter Mills

I thank my hon. Friend for her answer, but is it not true that there has been a considerable drop in the consumption of certain products? Is that not a serious matter for British agriculture? Will my hon. Friend be careful not to over-react in company with the health lobby, which is always saying that certain products are bad for us? Finally, is it not the height of folly to seek to do away with the beef premium, which encourages people to consume beef rather than to put it into intervention?

Mrs. Fenner

There is no question of over-reacting. The report represents the best scientific and medical advice available to the Government, and the nation's health is of vital importance. My hon. Friend is right to say that the beef variable premium plays an important role in maintaining the consumption of beef in this country.