§ 50. Mr. Wigginasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish his up-dated version of "Food from Our Own Resources".
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement about the updating of the White Paper "Food from Our Own Resources".
§ Mr. John SilkinThe White Paper "Farming and the Nation" published today sets out the Government's view of the medium-term prospects for the agriculture industry.
There have been a number of developments since the earlier White Paper on agriculture, "Food from Our Own Resources", was published, particularly the exceptional droughts of 1975 and 1976. This has meant that the industry has not expanded smoothly, and it was necessary to take a fresh look at the way ahead for agriculture in the medium-term.
Farming is one of Britain's most important industries, with a fine record over many years. The new White Paper examines the case for agricultural expansion over the next five years or so to provide for a greater share of the nation's food from within the United Kingdom, taking into account the likely cost and availability of imports and also the efficient allocation of national resources. The effect on our agricultural industry in the medium-term of the common agricultural policy is examined; and the White Paper reiterates the Government's determination to work to reform this. The availability of manpower and land, including considerations of land use and the conservation of the environment, and of technical and financial resources are also covered in the White Paper.
228WThe Government have taken account of agriculture's claim on national resources and those of other interests and has examined the case for expansion of home agriculture in the context of a responsible approach to food imports, and the need to balance farmers' needs for fair return and consumers' needs for reasonable food prices.
The White Paper says that sustained expansion of agricultural net product is in the national interest and is practicable. The Government's future policies will be designed to produce the conditions of stability and confidence needed to achieve this growth in output in this country.
The Government are also publishing today a separate background document which presents the results of an economic and statistical study of possible patterns of demand and production of agricultural products by 1983. These projections are not targets, but are designed to provide a basis for discussion of possible developments over the next few years. Copies of this document will be placed in the Library of the House. A technical paper setting out an analytical framework for assessing the economic effects of any green pound devaluation will also be published, in the "Government Economic Service Series".
The White Paper highlights some areas of the agriculture and food industries which need more detailed attention. In particular, agricultural marketing structures and techniques will face serious challenge in the next few years. The Government are therefore setting up a committee of inquiry to consider how the marketing of agricultural products can be improved.
The review has involved consultations with a wide range of organisations representing producers, processors, distributors and consumers of food, and also environmental and other interests. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Northern Ireland and my right hon and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are grateful to all who have participated in these discussions.