§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the views of the British food and drink manufacturing and processing industry are given as much consideration by the Council of Ministers in Brussels as are the views of farmers and of consumers.
§ Mr. StrangYes. We are well aware of the views of the food and drink industry on questions arising in the Council and are able to take these fully into account. In addition, the Food and Drink Industries Council plays an active part in the Commission des Industries Agricoles et Alimentaires de l'Unice which the European Commission consults on matters of interest to the food and drink industry.
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§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the low profit margins of the British food and drink manufacturing industries and the rôle the industries play in guaranteeing food supplies, he will take steps to improve their financial position.
§ Mr. StrangWe are well aware of the importance of these industries and of the difficulties which they face. The Government's overriding aim is to conquer inflation, and this will benefit all sectors of industry.