§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated percentage of United Kingdom apple consumption accounted for by domestic production over the past five years and what assessment he has made of the future share of consumption likely to be provided by home output.
§ Mr. StrangThe percentage of United Kingdom apple supplies accounted for by domestic production over the last five years is estimated as follows:
June/May Years 1970–71 67 per cent. 1971–72 64 per cent. 1972–73 57 per cent. 1973–74 60 per cent. 1974–75 56 per cent. No assessment of the future share of domestic production has been made, and this will continue to fluctuate according to factors such as effect of weather on the domestic crop, the size of the market and availability of overseas supplies.