HC Deb 06 March 1986 vol 93 cc439-40
12. Mr. Cockeram

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the arrangements for poultrymeat exports to the United States of America.

Mr. Gummer

Discussions with the United States authorities on access to their market are proceeding.

Mr. Cockeram

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the importance of this industry to rural areas such as Ludlow, where poultrymeat exports provide a substantial element of employment? Will he bear this in mind during the negotiations?

Mr. Gummer

My hon. Friend is quite right when he speaks of the importance of this country's poultry industry and its need to secure access to the largest number of markets. During his recent visit to the United States my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food raised these matters with the Agriculture Department there. We shall seek to do our best to defend and extend the opportunities for the British poultry industry.