§ Mr. David Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the effect of the severe drought on home-grown food supplies for the year 1976–77; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopIt is too soon to assess the full effect of the drought on homegrown food supplies, but, taking into account the prospects for imports and the level of stocks, it is not expected that food supplies generally will be seriously affected. We expect the main effects to be confined to potatoes with some effects on other vegetables. My right hon. Friend announced on 5th October measures to help farmers meet problems caused by the drought. Copies of that announcement are available in the Library of the House.