§ 19. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been realised since mid-1977 towards the supply of North Sea gas to the horticulture industry.
§ Mr. StrangThe British Gas Corporation is able in most cases to offer continuous supplies of natural gas to United Kingdom horticulturists who are in or near a gas supply area.
§ 40. Mr. David Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with representatives of the British horticulture industry as to the possible adverse effects of the entry of Spain, Portugal and Greece into the EEC upon their financial prospects; and what reassurances he has been able to give them.
§ Mr. StrangMy Department maintains close contact with representatives of the horticultural industry on all matters affecting its future prospects, including EEC enlargement. We are agreed that the entry of Greece and Portugal is unlikely to raise major problems for our growers; they may however, eventually face increased competition from some Spanish produce and we aim to achieve satisfactory transitional arrangements.