§ 8. Mr. Moynihanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the performance of the vegetable sector of the horticulture industry in 1986.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonGrowers of protected vegetables had a significantly better year than in 1985, but 1986 was a difficult year for outdoor vegetable growers.
§ Mr. MoynihanIs my hon. Friend aware that notwithstanding the fact that 20,000 tonnes of cauliflowers have been withdrawn from the market under intervention, cauliflowers are in short supply in Lewisham? When advising my constituents about a balanced diet, will my hon. Friend confirm that the Government's priority is not leaks but cauliflowers?
§ Mr. ThompsonThere are no leaks in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The supply of cauliflowers depends upon the season, and this is not the cauliflower season. Therefore, there is a shortage.
§ Mr. RandallIs the Minister aware that horticulture is already self-sufficient in quite a number of crops? Is he also aware that if only 1 per cent. of cereal land was used for field vegetables it would give a 30 per cent. increase in production? Clearly, this would destroy the market and would destroy jobs. Will he assure the House that no subsidies will be given to arable and dairy farmers to move into this sector?
§ Mr. ThompsonThere are no subsidies. When we reach the stage of making payments for changing crops, it would be completely wrong to move people from one area into another which, as the hon. Gentleman says, is already in surplus.