§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from farmer about the shortage of diesel fuel interfering with the current hay harvest.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have received a number of representations from the farming community, including the National Farmers' Union, about the need for adequate supplies of oil for farming operations. Both I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy are fully aware of the importance of enough oil being available for hay and silage making, and our officials will continue to do everything they can to help in cases of difficulty.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consult the oil companies to ensure that all vessels proceeding to sea will have sufficient fuel to complete the voyage.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have made sure that the importance of adequate supplies of fuel oil to the food producing industries, including the fishing industry, is well understood. The Government have asked the oil industry to achieve a more even and effective distribution and to meet particular difficulties as a matter of 397W urgency when customers face real hardship. Specific problems which users cannot solve direct with their suppliers should be referred to my regional offices, or, in Scotland, to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, which will do all that it can to help.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to alleviate the serious effects of fuel price increases and shortages on the fishing industry.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy Department is already playing its full part in procedures to overcome particular problems of shortage of supply and I am aware of the problems caused by higher prices. Our first priority must, however, be to secure economies in oil consumption, and action to shield industry from the real price of oil would be inconsistent with this.