HC Deb 22 January 1979 vol 961 cc52-3W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he is satisfied with the present position on food stocks; and what are his main areas of concern and to what parts of the country they apply;

(2) whether he is satisfied with the supply of animal feedstuffs; and what are his main areas of concern and to what parts of the United Kingdom they apply;

(3) what measures he is taking to ensure supplies of perishable foods are able to pass through the ports without being delayed or halted by tickets;

(4) what further representations he is making to Mr. Moss Evans, Mr. Alex Kitson and other leaders of the lorry drivers' strike to secure a relaxation of the intensive picketing being mounted by members of their union at present on strike.

Mr. John Silkin

I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made earlier today.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many weeks supply of sugar, salt, butter, cheese, meat and canned foods are available for distribution to the shops.

Mr. John Silkin

In view of the local nature of the interruptions to food processing and distribution at various stages it is not possible to make general estimates of the kind requested.