§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what has been the annual value and volume of imports of apples, and pears, respectively, from EEC and non-EEC sources since the United Kingdom joined the European Community; what is the corresponding figure for United Kingdom production of apples and pears consumed in the domestic market; and if he is satisfied that the current pattern of production and trade is enabling the consumer to have access to these fruits at the most advantageous price.
§ Mr. StrangAnnual imports and estimated marketable production of fresh apples and pears for the United Kingdom in the years 1973 to 1977 are set out in the table below. The current pattern of production and trade reflects the free play of market forces and I am satisfied that the consumer is enabled to have access to these fruits at the most advantageous prices.
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FRESH APPLES AND PEARS—UNITED KINGDOM IMPORTS AND MARKETABLE PRODUCTION 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 Quantity ('000 tonnes) Value (£m.) Quantity ('000 tonnes) Value Quantity ('000 tonnes) Value (£m.) Quantity ('000 tonnes) Value (£m.) Quantity ('000 tonnes) Value (£m.) APPLES— Imports: EEC … 164 24.8 190 29.8 210 42.4 257 48.0 263 71.3 Non-EEC … 154 26.6 120 23.1 120 27.5 125 27.5 76 23.1 Total … 318 51.4 310 52.9 330 69.9 382 75.5 339 94.4 United Kingdom … 362 37.7 375 40.9 330 42.1 344 51.8 289 64.9 PEARS— Imports: EEC … 24 3.8 30 5.0 36 7.8 28 5.9 32 10.0 Non-EEC … 26 4.1 18 4.0 15 3.1 20 3.9 17 4.4 Total … 50 7.9 48 9.0 51 10.9 48 9.8 49 14.4 United Kingdom … 43 5.4 46 6.0 34 5.5 46 7.4 38 9.2