HC Deb 11 December 1980 vol 995 cc459-60W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will offer increased financial support to the Scottish horticulture industry to compensate for the disparity which exists in that industry's costs and those of other member States in the European Community, in view of the disruption of the United Kingdom market by imports at prices with which the Scottish industry cannot compete.

Mr. Younger

The right solution is to remove competition which is incompatible with the Treaty of Rome. The Commission of the European Community is invoking procedures under the Treaty to end the advantageous pricing of natural gas enjoyed by Dutch horticulturists. Meantime my noble Friend the Minister of State has met representatives of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, whose suggestions for additional action are being examined.