HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 cc372-3W
19. Mr. Banks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the competitive equivalence between United Kingdom and Dutch glasshouse growers.

Mr. Strang

In overall terms British glass house growers are competitive with Dutch growers and, for example, imports of Dutch tomatoes have declined significantly in each of the last two years. It is not easy to make comparisons between the elements of competition, and variations arising from natural factors—some of which favour British growers—do not necessarily constitute unfair competition.

The Dutch authorities and the EEC Commission are well aware of our interest in the fastest practicable progress towards the equalisation of Dutch gas and oil prices.

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