HC Deb 11 November 1982 vol 31 c236W
Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the level of agricultural self-sufficiency achieved in the United Kingdom in 1981 for (a) all food and (b) all indigenous-type food; and what was the United Kingdom export-import ratio for trade in food, feed and livestock with the other member States of the European Community in that year, giving figures on the same basis as his answer of 17 June 1981.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

In 1980, the level of self-sufficiency in food in the United Kingdom was 60.5 per cent. for all food and 74.8 per cent. for all indigenous-type food. Estimates of self-sufficiency in 1981 and of the export-import ratio in 1981 for trade with other member States in food, feed and livestock are not yet available.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated surplus of United Kingdom production of basic foodstuffs in the current crop year over consumption for traditional purposes.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Forecasts of United Kingdom production of basic foodstuffs and of corresponding consumption for the current crop year are not readily available. Estimates of production of agricultural commodities in 1982 as a percentage of total new supply for use in the United Kingdom will be made during the current annual review of agriculture.