Soft Fruit

HC Deb 05 December 1975 vol 901 cc347-8W

Mr. Welsh

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the immediate and long-term prospects of the soft fruit industry, especially raspberries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Strang

The prospects for efficient soft fruit growers are generally good. This is true for raspberry growers provided supply can be adapted to demand.

Mr. Welsh

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans exist for a common policy for soft fruits and especially Scottish raspberries in the Common Market;

(2) if he proposes to introduce intervention buying in the soft fruit and especially the raspberry industry in order to alleviate the present difficulties of that industry.

Mr. Strang

There are already common Community policies for fresh and processed soft fruits. They cover free intra-Community trade and a common Customs tariff to which we are gradually moving during transition; safeguard arrangements if the Community market is threatened; a system of monitoring imports of certain sensitive processed fruits, including raspberries, blackcurrants and strawberries; and quality standards for strawberries. Groups of fresh fruit producers may fix withdrawal prices applicable to sales of their members' produce and finance any withdrawals from their own funds, but there is no Community scheme of FEOGA-financed compensation for withdrawals of soft fruits, and I do not think that such a scheme would be appropriate.

Mr. Welsh

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to introduce a marketing board or other market mechanism for the soft fruit industry and the raspberry industry in particular.

Mr. Strang

No. Under the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 the initiative for the establishment of any marketing board rests with the producers concerned. I assume that, in referring to other market mechanisms, the hon. Member has in mind co-operative selling. The Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation administers measures to encourage co-operation and producers interested should get in touch with them.