§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the increase in the minimum price under the feed and pea scheme from £125 per metric ton to £140.19 per metric ton; what effect the increase will have on British exporters ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have received representations from the National Farmers Union, the United Kingdom Agricultural Supply Trade Association, the Grain and Feed Trade Association and the British Edible Pulse Association which expect the new price to make the crop uncompetitive both as raw material for feed manufacture in this country and as exports. It is too early to say whether this will prove to be the case since much depends on the price of alternative raw materials. Nevertheless, arrangements are being made to consider this problem with the Commission in the near future.