§ 51. Mr. Blakerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the likely competitive position of British tomato growers in the home market in the coming season compared with foreign growers.
§ Mr. StrangIt is difficult to make such an estimate, since the market for horti-236W cultural produce such as tomatoes varies seasonally and is influenced by levels of supply and demand. However, returns to United Kingdom tomato producers last year were generally higher than in the previous two years, and I see no reason why the efficient United Kingdom grower should not continue to compete successfully with foreign suppliers.