HC Deb 21 February 1991 vol 186 c428
11. Mr. Gregory

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to reduce the food and drink sector trade deficit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

The Government are firmly committed to supporting Food from Britain, which has set itself the task of reducing the trade deficit in the food and drink sector by promoting our products at home and abroad.

Mr. Gregory

Will my hon. Friend confirm that in the conclusion to the current GATT rounds, no competitiveness will be lost in connection with United Kingdom food and drinks exports, particularly the great confectionery industry based in cities such as York?

Mr. Curry

I can confirm to my hon. Friend that we are particularly attentive to the needs of the processing industry and that when it comes to the cutting of restitutions we should get full restitution for the raw material components of processed foods. I know that the confectionery industry runs up a balance of payments surplus of about £100 million a year and that is particularly important to it.