HC Deb 12 November 1974 vol 881 cc86-7W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to prevent the export of fodder from the United Kingdom at a time that fodder shortage is threatening the livestock industry in Great Britain.

Mr. Bishop

None. I have no evidence to suggest that sizeable quantities of fodder are being exported from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to publish a survey by area of the availability and price of fodder, and to make the survey results known to farmers in those parts of Great Britain where there is currently a shortage.

Mr. Bishop

My right hon. Friend has already mentioned in the House in his speech on 31st October that we have extended our end-October assessment of fodder supplies. The results should be available shortly. We shall then be in a position to decide what can and should be done. This is of course a matter on which we are keeping in the closest possible touch with the farmers' unions and others concerned.