§ 1. Mr. AlexanderTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the chairman of the British Poultry Federation; what matters were discussed; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Donald Thompson)My right hon. Friend met the chairman of the British Poultry Federation today at the lunch following the federation's annual general meeting. They discussed a number of issues of interest to the industry.
§ Mr. AlexanderI thank my hon. Friend for that reply, which was not quite as foul as I had expected. Will he congratulate the industry on the way in which it has managed to achieve considerable success without assistance from the EEC?
§ Mr. ThompsonI am sure that my right hon. Friend mentioned that at lunch today. It is remarkable that industries, such as the poultry industry which receive least do best. We assist with export refunds and in as many other ways as possible. I shall be visiting the European poultry fair at Stoneleigh on the 18th of this month.
§ Mr. HunterIn discussions with the British Poultry Federation, will my hon. Friend draw attention to the fact that prices to the producer are dropping at a far greater rate than those to the consumer? Surely that is an unsatisfactory state of affairs. Will my hon. Friend comment on the matter?
§ Mr. ThompsonMarket forces will always find their own level. I am sure that the producers and the retailers who are in a very strong position at present, constantly argue this out between themselves.