§ Mr. Torneyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) in view of the acute oil shortage among food manufacturers causing considerable loss of vital food production, if he will take immediate action to increase oil supplies and so protect essential food suplies;
(2) if he will investigate the problem of oil shortage in the food manufacturing industry, and take action to ensure vital food supplies.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have no evidence to suggest that food production is being lost as a result of the current oil supply situation. Both I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy attach great importance to adequate supplies of oil being available for food production and our officials will continue to do everything they can to help in cases of difficulty. My right hon. Friend and I will be glad to have details of any specific problems so that they can be investigated.