HC Deb 08 January 2004 vol 416 cc399-400
13. Hugh Robertson (Faversham and Mid-Kent) (Con)

If she will make a statement on Government assistance to fruit farmers in Kent. [146381]

The Minister for Rural Affairs and Local Environmental Quality (Alun Michael)

Fruit farmers in Kent, like fruit farmers in the rest of the country, receive benefits from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' substantial research and development programme, of which about £2.5 million is being spent in this financial year on relevant research at East Mailing, and on the national fruit collection at Brogdale. Producer organisations in the fruit sector receive about £3.5 million a year in assistance from the EU. In addition, growers are eligible for assistance under the England rural development programme and other Government schemes.

Hugh Robertson

Bearing that reply in mind, can the Minister therefore explain to the House why the national orchard—the country's supply of fruit trees—has declined by a staggering 25 per cent. since this Government came to power?

Alun Michael

The timing, I suggest to the hon. Gentleman, may not be related to electoral decisions in the way that some matters are. It is the industry's role to produce and to market goods at a quality and price that are attractive to consumers. It operates in a very competitive market, and certain products are more difficult to produce in this country than in others: those factors have certainly had an impact. Because of our climate, the yield of some varieties is not as great as it can be elsewhere. It is worth pointing out that horticulture has never received the price support that has caused such economic distortion in other areas of agriculture.