§ Mr. Lathamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the visit of the Parliamentary Secretary to Israel between 2 and 4 January; what meetings she had there likely to be of benefit to British agriculture; and whether any further reciprocal visits are planned, in view of the substantial progress made by Israeli farmers and growers in reclaiming waste or desert land and exporting produce to Europe.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerWhile my hon. Friend was in Israel she met both Mr. Ehrlich, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, and Mr. Patt, Minister for Industry and Trade. She saw all aspects of the production and dispatch of Israel's horticultural exports. During the visit she suggested that exchange visits by agricultural extension officers could be of mutual benefit.
When Mr. Ehrlich subsequently visited Britain, from 23 to 25 May, I discussed with him the development of agriculture and Anglo-Israel trade in the agricultural and horticultural fields. We also signed and exchanged letters setting out the arrangements for exchange visits of up to 12 months duration, between officers of our agricultural development and advisory service and the extension service of the Israel Minister of Agriculture. The two Ministries are already in touch on the details of the first of these exchanges.
I have arranged for copies of the letters exchanged to be placed in the Library of the House.