HC Deb 03 July 1975 vol 894 cc506-7W
21. Mr. Hicks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from what sources he intends to finance the expansion programme for domestic production as outlined in his recent White Paper; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

The White Paper makes clear that the prospect of higher market returns should give farmers an incentive to plan for greater output. Following the referendum farmers will be looking also to future levels of support prices applying in the United Kingdom under the common agricultural policy; these will generally be rising as we take the transitional steps to full Community levels.

24. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the White Paper "Food from our own Resources" (Command Paper No. 6020) still represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Peart

Yes.

28. Mr. Graham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether further discussions have taken place following the publication of Command Paper No. 6020, "Food from our own Resources", and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

Yes. These discussions are under way.

52. Mr. Wigley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effects the latest Government statements on the containment of public expenditure will have on the food production policies outlined in the White Paper "Food from our own Resources".

Mr. Peart

The White Paper makes clear that the prospect of higher market returns should in itself give farmers an incentive to plan for greater output. Moreover, the planned level of public expenditure for 1976–77, as set out in the White Paper on Public Expenditure to 1978–79 (Cmnd. 5879), entails no reduction in forecast expenditure on agricultural grants and subsidies.