Horticulture (Trade with Eastern Europe)

HC Deb 28 January 1970 vol 794 cc352-3W

72. Mr. Neave

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the effect of horticultural trade with Eastern Europe on the import-saving role of British horticulture.

Mr. Hoy

Imports of the main competing horticultural items from Eastern Europe are at present regulated by quotas. In relation to imports generally it is the Government's policy to help the horticulture industry to improve its competitive efficiency so that home-grown produce will replace imports on its merits.