HC Deb 15 November 1979 vol 973 cc705-6W
Mr. John Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has made of the profitability of the apple industry in South Africa, Argentina and the United States of America, particularly as regards the production of apple juice as an end product; and if he will raise with the EEC Agriculture Council the possibility of encouraging this development.

Mr. Wiggin

This Department endeavours to keep constantly abreast of developments abroad, but has not had occasion to make specific studies of the apple industries of South Africa, Argentina and the United States of America. The marketing advisers are currently looking at the apple industry here, including the possibilities for investment in juice and concentrate manufacture, but at present my right hon. Friend has no plans for raising the matter at the EEC Agriculture Council. Proposals have recently been submitted to the Commission for an aid programme under EEC regulation 355/77 which, if approved, would include provision for aid to fruit-processing projects in England and Wales.

Mr. John Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the size, by value, gallonage or tonnage of the British apple juice industry at the most recent date; and what was its growth in the previous 10 years.

Mr. Wiggin

I regret this information is not available.

Mr. John Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what tonnage of English apples he estimates will be taken off the market by EEC intervention during the 1979–80 season.

Mr. Wiggin

It is still too early to estimate because of the many complex factors affecting the apple market. Details of withdrawals so far notified this season were given in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Mr. Moate) on 7 November.—[Vol. 973, c.186.]

Mr. John Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to limit the sums spent by the EEC on intervention in the apple industry which in the last two seasons has had the effect of giving assistance to French growers to the detriment of the British market.

Mr. Wiggin

Withdrawal arrangements for apples apply uniformly throughout the Community, though they will of course tend to be more beneficial to those with higher-yielding crops.