§ 33. Mr. Costainasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that United Kingdom horticultural growers can obtain their heating energy requirements at terms no less favourable than other categories of users in the United Kingdom and to growers in other EEC countries.
§ Mr. StrangThe terms on which United Kingdom horticulturists obtain gas and oil for fuel do not differ from those applicable to non-horticultural enterprises within the United Kingdom in similar locations and with a comparable consumption of fuel. In the EEC context the terms available to United Kingdom growers do not differ greatly from those available elsewhere, except that the Dutch at present benefit from their onshore resources of natural gas.
§ Mr. Corrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that United Kingdom horticultural growers can obtain heating requirements on terms no less favourable than growers 338W in other EEC countries including the Netherlands; and whether he is satisfied that the practice of other EEC Governments is in accordance with Community rules.
§ Mr. StrangI refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Costain). The Government are ready to pursue any prima facie case of unfair practices by other Community countries and, if necessary, to take it up with the EEC Commission, which is charged with ensuring observance of the rules on competition.