HC Deb 06 April 1984 vol 57 cc678-9W
Sir David Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of (a) temperate and (b) all food-stuffs consumed in the United Kingdom in 1983 were home-produced; and how these percentages compare with similar figures in 1973 and 1963, respectively.

Mr. MacGregor

United Kingdom self sufficiency in all foodstuffs, which takes into account food exports, has increased from 50 per cent. in 1973 to 60 per cent. in 1983. Self sufficiency in indigenous-type foods has increased from 62 per cent. to 76 per cent. over the same period.

Taking the narrower definition of home production for home consumption as a percentage of total United Kingdom consumption, the following information is available:

Home production for home consumption as a percentage of total United Kingdom consumption
1963† 1973 1983‡
(a) Indigenous-type food* 64 66 65
(b) All food 50 53 52
* Products that are grown commercially in significant quantities in the United Kingdom.
† Approximate.
‡ Provisional.