§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much of United Kingdom food was imported in 1975, 1980 and 1985; at what cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerUnited Kingdom imports of food were valued at £3.6 billion in 1975, £5.1 billion in 1980 and £7.5 billion in 1984. Figures for 1985 are not yet available. Food imports represented 50 per cent., 48 per cent. and 52 per cent., respectively, of the estimated value of all food consumed in the United Kingdom.
Since 1975, the volume of food imports has remained broadly unchanged. Within the total, the volume of temperate foods imported has fallen by 15 per cent. At the same time food exports have increased by 50 per cent. 261W These figures reflect the success of the United Kingdom agricultural and food industries in taking advantage of the opportunities presented by membership of the European Community.