§ 16. Mr. Anthony Nelsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the recent report by the Economic Development Council on the state of the agriculture industry.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe report "Agriculture into the 1980s—Resources and Strategy" provides a valuable analysis of agriculture's resources and I agree with the central theme that agriculture can make a major contribution to import-saving and towards the aims of the industrial strategy. The detailed recommendations are intended to assist in agricultural expansion, and those which are directed to the Government are being considered. I am glad to note that the economic development council has established a progress action group to promote discussion and encourage action.
§ 21. Mr. MacGregorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is planning to abandon or alter the targets set out in "Food from our own resources"; and if he will make a statement.
§ 30. Mr. Newtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects that he will be able to present to the House his new White Paper for the future of the agriculture industry.
§ 38. Mr. Charles Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his intention to set specific targets for the industry in the proposed second edition of the 1975 White Paper "Food from our own resources"; and whether he will make a statement.
§ 41. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the progress made in the last two years on the expansion of agricultural production.
§ Mr. John SilkinI would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Renfrewshire, West (Mr. Buchan) on 28th June.—328W [Vol. 934, c. 184.] It is too early to say when the review will be completed.