HC Deb 15 February 1971 vol 811 cc321-2W
Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will list all known subsidies on fuel oil or other materials made within the Common Market by member Governments to horticultural growers.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

It would be both difficult and time-consuming to obtain the comprehensive information asked for by my hon. Friend. But it is known that individual member States provide support to their horticultural industries by various means, for example, by tax concessions on fuel-oils. I also understand that the Dutch Government provide interest-free loans to growers in some areas towards fuel-oil costs above a basic figure pending the availability of cheap natural gas in those areas.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to decide on the arrangements for support buying of pigs and pigmeat in the event of the United Kingdom entering the European Economic Community.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

This must depend upon the progress of the negotiations.

Sir C. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that it represents some 26 per cent. of the total wine trade of this country, what is his estimate of the effect on the British wine industry of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

This involves an assessment of demand for British wine in changing circumstances and is primarily a matter for the industry, but we are in consultation with it.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the event of Great Britain joining the Euro- pean Economic Community and admitting cattle and fresh meat into Great Britain from Community countries without hindrance, what estimate he has made of the increased work which would fall on his Inspectorate if Great Britain were to exercise her rights under Article 36 in order to keep Great Britain free from foot-and-mouth disease.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The question of how any import inspectorate is operated if we join the European Economic Community will depend on the outcome of the discussions to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Trew) on 5th February, 1971. I should not at this stage try to anticipate the results of these discussions.—[Vol. 810, c.465.]