Fruit and Vegetables

HC Deb 14 December 1995 vol 268 cc828-9W

19. Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his plans to reduce the trade deficit in fruit and vegetables. [4147]

24. Mr. Simpson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom trade balances in fruit and vegetables; and what action the Government are taking to improve it. [4152]

Mr. Boswell

The trade deficit in horticultural products, currently standing at some £3 billion, reflects a range of factors, including imports of non-indigenous and out-of-season produce. Our strategy—which includes the appointment of a horticultural export promoter to the Department's market task force—is to encourage the industry to play to its strengths and match the excellence of its product with high-class marketing.