asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives he intends to take when he assumes the Presidency of European Economic Community Agriculture Ministers.

I expect the Council to play its part in examining the ideas for reducing surpluses and containing the costs of the common agricultural policy put forward in the Commission's document on the 30 May mandate. I hope that the Council will examine the problems over State aids to agriculture as well as discussing commodity prospects over a longer time scale than is possible at the annual price fixing.

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that in the next six months he will do everything possible to promote that stability of the agriculture industry and that stability of employment in the industry that have been the outstanding features of the CAP in recent years?

Yes, Sir. Stability in agriculture is of immense importance. In addition, British agriculture has made a considerable contribution towards improving productivity and good labour relations. Obviously, I should want that to continue.

If the Minister looks on State aids with a jaundiced eye, does he believe that the Community should have greater responsibility for expenditure in the less-favoured areas, such as hills and uplands?

The Commission exercises certain responsibilities in that direction. Obviously, I hope that the positive policies in that sphere will continue to develop. There is a place for State aids, but if they increase to the extent found in certain countries they become the subject of unfair competition.

Will my right hon. Friend tell his colleagues in Europe that many British farmers are sick and tired of the way in which his European colleagues interpret the rules to their advantage? We play according to the rules. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that they play the game as fairly as we do?

I shall convey my hon. Friend's views to my European colleagues. I have conveyed such views to a number of my colleagues on several occasions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider using countervailing charges against the Dutch under article 46 of the Treaty of Rome? Will he bear in mind the plight of tomato growers in general, and, in particular, that of my tomato growers in Whittlesey who use gas-fired appliances to heat their glass-houses? Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that we wish him well in his Presidency?

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his concluding remark. I think that he knows that I have considerable sympathy with those tomato growers in his constituency. We are examining several aspects of energy supplies to the British industry. With regard to using countervailing duties specifically against the Dutch, I should point out that they have not yet announced any detailed proposals about their new subsidies. When they do, the Government will examine them in great detail.

From what the right hon. Gentleman has said, do I take it that he is not in favour of funding part of the CAP on a national financing basis, as suggested in the latest budget proposals from the EEC?

No, Sir. There is a difference in the latest proposals, which were received only this morning. For example, we were in favour of the principle of national funding when we supported the super levy on milk, which in practice would have meant the national financing of future milk surpluses. However, we are against national loans that pervert fair competition between one country and another. Both sides of the House are united about that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when next he will have a meeting with his counterparts in the European Economic Community to discuss a common fisheries policy.

At the next meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers, the date for which has not yet been fixed.

Given the unavoidable delay arising from the election of the new French Government, can my right hon. Friend give a guarantee that the conservation measures already agreed with our partners will be neither compromised nor abandoned? Does my right hon. Friend agree that even before the common agriculture policy is settled, vital as it is, there is a desperate need for a new marketing regime? What progress does he envisage on that?

I agree with my hon. Friend that it is essential that those conservation measures already agreed, which largely comprise our national measures, should continue and be enforced while the broader negotiations are proceeding. My hon. Friend will be aware that we have taken a number of measures on marketing in certain areas. Pending the outcome of comprehensive marketing regulations, we shall continue to press the Commission to take action on such items as imports from third countries.

Is the Minister able, or willing, to confirm that if we do not achieve a settlement by the end of this year our sister States will be able to fish up to the high water mark? Have any contingency plans been drawn up with the industry to deal with that?

The hon. Gentleman may inadvertently have made a mistake. The current arrangements continue until the end of next year. There is an obligation on the Commission to introduce proposals to replace the present arrangements before the end of next year. The correct thing for the Government to do is to press the Commission, in agreement with the other States, to propose arrangements that are satisfactory to the United Kingdom.

I agree with my right hon. Friend that the current arrangements come to an end at the end of next year. Is there any validity in the suggestion that when we get out of our present difficulty we might be able to obtain agreement to an extension of the present period of derogation until some other agreement is reached? Does my right hon. Friend agree that we do not want to find ourselves forced into an untenable position at the end of next year?

If we find ourselves in circumstances where there is no agreement, we shall have to consider what to do. I hope that we shall be able to improve considerably on the present arrangements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the real problem for the deep-sea fleet and the 1,000 fishermen unemployed in Hull is the question of fishing in third country waters? Does he agree that it is important that we reach an agreement within the Community to allow us to make arrangements with other countries outside it? If we cannot make an arrangement within the Community, should we not make third country agreements and tell our Community partners to "stuff it"?

I acknowledge what the hon. Gentleman says about the importance of third country agreements. The problem about concluding third country agreements that have been available so far is that they have largely been to the benefit of fishing fleets of other European countries, and not to ours. Clearly, we must stand up for the interests of our fleets. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall continue to do so.

rose—

Order. This question arises again later.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his main priorities in the reform of the common agricultural policy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether any further progress has been made towards the reform of the common agricultural policy.

My main priority is to continue the progress already made towards containing the growth of guarantee expenditure.

Is there any logical or commercial reason why the record quantities of cheap subsidised food sent to Russia last year, and the near record quantities of food and vegetables destroyed, should not be offered at comparable prices to, say, retirement pensioners here? In his search for reform, will my right hon. Friend ensure that food is not offered at subsidised cheap prices abroad which are not available at home?

My hon. Friend knows that the Government have constantly opposed the selling of cheap food to the Soviet Union. On his general question, my hon. Friend knows that the doubling of the consumer subsidy on butter, and the sheepmeat regime, with its considerable advantages to consumers, are two ways in which the Government have made considerable progress in achieving the objective that my hon. Friend seeks.

Does the Minister agree that the common agricultural policy must be reformed so that British agriculture can compete on equal terms with its counterparts in Europe? What plan has he in mind to achieve that?

Yes, that is why in answer to an earlier question I stated that I hoped that the Council would give careful consideration to the nature of national aids. The areas in which British agriculture is being impeded in its success are those in which, in our judgment, national aids are being offered to other farmers, outside the general principles of the Treaty of Rome.

In his consideration of the development of the common agriculture policy, will my right hon. Friend take heed primarily of the long-term needs of Britain's agriculture industry? Will he emphasise to those who peddle instant panaceas for the problems of the CAP that proper attention must be paid to the means of effecting changes that are being discussed, if the industry is not to be impossibly stressed in the interim?

I think that both sides of the House agree that the nature of agriculture is essentially a long-term business and one in which swift and rapid movements cannot be made without doing considerable economic and social harm. That is why I am anxious that during our Presidency we should consider the long-term trends of the common agriculture policy and make decisions based on the long-term, rather than on the immediate problems.

Has the Minister made any estimates of the cost or the tonnage of cereals from the 1981 harvest that will end up in intervention stores in the United Kingdom? Can he think of better ways of handling a commodity such as this, as the United Kingdom is a net importer of cereals?

I should never make the mistake of making firm predictions for the 1981 harvest world-wide or of the 1981 demand. Last year's experience showed that the United Kingdom coped well.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to introduce legislation in response to the Country Landowners Association and National Farmers Union proposals on security of tenure for tenant farmers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his response to the agreement between the National Farmers Union and the Country Landowners Association on agricultural holdings.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had in recent weeks with the National Farmers Union and the Country Landowners Association about farm tenancy legislation; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to introduce legislation to implement the Country Landowners Association and the National Farmers Union agreement on agricultural holdings legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on Government policy concerning the future of agricultural holdings.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I met the presidents of the National Farmers Union and Country Landowners Association earlier this month to discuss the joint proposals of the union and the association for changes in the agricultural holdings legislation.

Does the Minister agree that if these proposals were carried into legislative form they would result in two classes of tenant farmers—one with succession rights, and the other with those succession rights expressly excluded?

I hope that before hon. Members on either side of the House come to firm conclusions they will realise that a majority of both tenants and landowners agreed on a balance of proposals which they considered were good for the industry. Obviously I do not ask for immediate conclusions to be reached, but anyone interested in agriculture—especially in giving young farmers the opportunity of openings in agriculture—should carefully examine the proposals and come to a solution that is good for the whole industry.

rose—

Order. I propose to call first those hon. Members whose questions are being answered.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the burning need for action to help young people to have opportunities in farming? Is he aware also of the need for a bipartisan approach, to give stability to the future of young people in farming?

That is an important aspect of the question. Almost the first people who came to see me to urge that action is taken were from that considerable movement, the Young Farmers Clubs, many of whom would like the opportunities that are not currently available. On the other side, it is correct that existing and future tenants should have a basis on which they are satisfied and agreed. I am anxious that all hon. Members interested in the future of British agriculture should examine the joint proposals carefully and that we should introduce sensible legislation as a result.

Although I accept the need for all parties to approach the agreement constructively, does the Minister agree that the agreement as presently constructed envisages, as my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Torney) said, two classes of tenancy, one protected by Labour legislation, where a son would have a right to succeed a tenant farmer on his death, and the other protected by Conservative legislation, where the family would have no right to succeed the deceased tenant farmer?

That is not an accurate description of the position. There is not yet any Conservative legislation. I have not accepted the proposals or said that I will legislate on them immediately. I have asked for a detailed examination of every proposal and we shall look objectively at the results. I have not come to conclusions on the form of any legislation. The hon. Gentleman had responsibility for this matter in the past, and I think that he will agree that we both want to see opportunities provided for young people to enter the industry, and also that we want a sensible basis for existing and future tenants. That is what I am seeking, and I hope that all hon. Members will approach the matter in that spirit. I am not seeking a partisan approach.

I understand that my right hon. Friend does not wish us to come to firm conclusions now. Will he appreciate that in many quarters there is much good will behind the discussions and a hope that we shall be able to get away from the rigidity of the present law, which is not only inhibiting to the potential young tenant farmer, but often inhibiting to landowners, some of whom are large corporate owners who would like to do more to help the young farmer?

When we took office we found that firm proposals for legislation had been advocated by representatives of the landowners. The Government took the view that that they would not proceed with legislation if there was no agreement between the NFU and the CLA. Representatives of the majority of tenant farmers came to some form of agreement and I am glad that, as a result of that attitude, an agreement has been reached. Obviously there is good will, because an agreement has been reached, but we must examine the matter in detail and try to come forward with proposals that are acceptable to both sides of the House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us would support moves to improve the opportunities for, and security of, tenant farmers? Will he accept that it is up to him to bring forward practical proposals, and will he and his hon. Friend the Member for Devon, West (Mr. Mills) refrain from accusing Labour Members of blocking something that we have not seen?

I have never accused any Labour Members of doing that. I hope that all those on both sides of the House who are interested in agriculture will carefully examine proposals that have substantial backing within the industry. Of course, it is the Government's responsibility to come forward with legislation.

Is grass letting a way round the allocation of secure agriculture tenancies?

No.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated yield of ware potatoes in the 1981 season.

The average yield of the past three years is 33·5 tonnes per hectare. Actual yield this year depends on growing conditions between now and harvest.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware of the deep concern felt in Scotland about the penetration of the United Kingdom market by, in particular, Dutch seed potatoes? What proposals has he for dealing with that problem?

I hope that my hon. Friend will acknowledge that Scottish seed potato producers command about 90 per cent. of the English market, and that, with their reputation for quality, they will meet the challenge of retaining that share of the market.

Notwithstanding my right hon. Friend's characteristic opaque reply about forecasts, is it not a fact that it is expected that yields will be more or less comparable with those of the past two years and that, therefore, comparable problems will arise? Is my right hon. Friend satisfied, through the Potato Marketing Board and otherwise, with the arrangements for grading potatoes to ensure that there is a proper market and that market conditions are satisfied?

If my hon. Friend thinks that it is possible to be precise about future yields, his crystal ball must be even more opaque than my own. I am genuinely worried that more than the target acreage has been planted and that growers may not have paid attention to last year's over-production. As my hon. Friend knows, we have taken steps with the Potato Marketing Board to authorise an advance buying programme which, we hope, should deal with any surplus that arises in the current year.

Bearing in mind the prominent position of Ulster in the production of seed potatoes, will the right hon. Gentleman modify his previous answer to the extent of acknowledging that there is room for competition between Scottish and Ulster seed potatoes in provision for this country and that 90 per cent. represents an excessive share of that market for Scotland?

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will acknowledge that Northern Ireland producers have a considerable share of the remaining 10 per cent. of the English market. Those producers have a fine record of marketing, not only in England, but in exports. I am sure that their example will be followed by Scottish producers and others in the United Kingdom.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current state of profitability of grain, dairy, beef and sheep farming respectively.

Information was given in the White Paper on the 1981 annual review of agriculture. This year's price settlement, which will add £325 million to farmers' incomes, and other measures taken by the Government will help in improving farm incomes.

Does my right hon. Friend accept that the profitability of the dairy and livestock industry is low, and that that is not in the interests of the producer or the consumer and is leading to a switch to cereal production? Will he take account of that in forthcoming negotations with his EEC colleagues?

I acknowledge what my hon. Friend has said, and I hope that he will acknowledge that we made it clear in the April price review negotiations that we were in danger of getting livestock and arable products out of balance. As a result, price increases in livestock are slightly better than those in other areas.

Is not the dairy industry potentially threatened by the preliminary European Court decision on the imports of French milk into this country? Is not the doorstep distribution of milk also threatened by that decision? Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that the distribution of milk in this country is hightly effective and much appreciated by housewives? What does the right hon. Gentleman intend to do about that matter?

One would almost think, from what the hon. Gentleman has said, that the European Court had taken a decision. I remind him that we are contesting the Court proceedings, because we believe that we have a strong case. I agree that our doorstep delivery is important, not only for the dairy producer, but, in social terms, for British housewives and older people who rely on that excellent daily service. We shall certainly do all that we can to defend it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the profitability of farmers concerned with these commodities and those who trade with them is seriously at risk because of the strike by civil servants? What plans has he to alleviate that hardship? Will he consider some of the schemes that have been put to him to ease the difficulties?

I am aware of the problems, and I hope that the dispute will be ended as soon as possible. My hon. Friend has been in touch with the Ministry, and we are doing our best to help in cases of particular hardship.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives he proposes to take during his term as President of the Council of Fisheries Ministers.

My prime objective will be to secure overall agreement on a satisfactory common fisheries policy.

In view of the considerable success that my right hon. Friend has had in the past two years in setting up bilateral talks on fishing matters with other members of the Community, does he think that there will be an opportunity during his Presidency to embark on important bilateral talks on fishing with the new French Government; and, if so, what prospects of success can he hold out?

Immediately after the formation of the new French Government, following the presidential elections, I wrote to the new French Minister responsible for fishing expressing my eagerness to have talks with him on these matters. I hope that now that the National Assembly elections are over and the new Government have been confirmed bilateral talks will quickly take place.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look again at the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, Central (Mr. McNamara)? Is he aware that there are half a dozen vessels fishing for mackerel at certain times of the year, compared with 146 from my constituency that formerly fished in all waters of the Arctic? The same tale can be told of Fleetwood and other ports. Will the Secretary of State make this an important item in his armoury when he assumes office? We have to get third party agreements. We have to get access to distant waters.

We are not alone in Europe in wanting to get third country agreements ratified and agreed as quickly as possible. The more rapidly we reach a conclusion on a common fisheries policy, the better it will be for the whole of Europe, and certainly for Hull.

Before my right hon. Friend takes up the Presidency of the Fisheries Council, will he examine the problem of very small fishing vessels, which did not feature in the last financial aid granted by the Government? Will he consider also the question of possible EEC aid for fish processing factories that need to replace machinery that is now obsolete because of conservation measures adopted by the Government?

My hon. Friend, who has a keen interest in these matters, knows that the aid package introduced by the Government was directed to small ships. It was also a package that had been employed previously and had proved of tremendous benefit to the fishing industry. We are constantly examining the position of processors.

In an earlier answer the Minister of State spoke of the pressure that the Government were putting on the Commission with regard to the disruptive impact on our domestic market of third country imports. What are the right hon. Gentleman's proposals for avoiding this situation in future?

This is one area where the Commission is not being successful in seeing that the reference price is observed. If that were done, it would make a terrific difference. We have given the Commission details of cases where it has not been observed. The Commissioner has promised that he will take action to see that it is observed. If that promise is fulfilled the situation will be greatly improved.

rose—

Order. This matter comes up again shortly.

asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the latest proposals by the Dutch Government to provide a large subsidy to their glasshouse sector.

I understand that the Dutch Government have agreed recently to make 270 million guilders available to finance energy saving programmes carried out by individual glasshouse enterprises and a further 30 million guilders to fund research into energy-saving techniques. Because they have not yet announced the details of their proposals or introduced any legislation to implement them, I am unable to see whether the proposals comply with fair competition rules within the Community. If they do not comply, I shall take the matter immediately to the Commission.

Is it not clear that the Dutch Government are determined to dominate this market in Northern Europe by any means, fair or foul? Will my right hon. Friend consider the imposition of countervailing charges under article 46? Will he not agree, in the longer term, that if our glasshouse sector is to survive, it is time for a fundamental reappraisal of energy sources, conversion and perhaps also of location of the industry? Will he pay particular attention to waste heat from nuclear power stations?

I should like to deal with the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, which is of considerable importance. We are having talks with the National Coal Board to see what can be done in respect of the substantial glasshouse industry in the Yorkshire area. We wish to see whether contracts and perhaps improvements in capital grants can be made to enable coal to be used for the glasshouse industry in the area on an economic and sensible basis.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that one of the great tragedies of Britain's entry into the Common Market is that it has meant that the glasshouse sector is almost eliminated, especially in the Lea valley which, at one time, produced the best tomatoes in the world? Is he aware that Lea valley tomatoes have practically gone out of existence due to our entry into the Common Market? Should we not put the interests of our people first rather than being tied by Common Market competitive rules that operate against the interests of Britain?

Prices for tomatoes in this market throughout most of last season were substantially above prices the year before. Although there was an early drop in prices this year, prices in the last two weeks have again been well above those of last year. A section of the British tomato growing industry has been doing pretty well during the last two years.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that our own experiments in heat saving at the Exel nurseries opened two days ago, which should have been opened by a Minister from the Department of Energy—

Why did that not happen?

Because he went to a film. Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that this experiment is not in contravention of the EEC regulation? We cannot dig at the Dutch if we are cheating.

I am sure that there is no contravention. No subsidy is involved. I recently visited my hon. Friend's constituency and met some of the growers. I should like to congratulate the Kent growers on their remarkable success in the marketing of soft fruit so far this year and on the terrific improvement that has taken place in their marketing techniques.

rose—

Get on with it.

Order. I intervene to defend the hon. Gentleman. He has a right to be heard.

rose—

Too long.

Order. The hon. Gentleman is accustomed to giving silence, and to receiving it. Question Time is passing by.

Will the Minister explain to what extent the Chicago-Friedman theory operates in respect of the common agricultural policy with specific reference to the glasshouse industry? Who gets most satisfaction from the operation of these market forces? Is it the Minister himself, or is it the Prime Minister?

Having heard the question, I understand the hon. Gentleman's reluctance to put it.

Answer it.

I shall certainly draw the attention of the professor who has been mentioned to the glasshouse industry's problems.

Is not the damage that our industry, especially the glasshouse industry, so often suffers, due to the fact that the Commission takes so long to act after my right hon. Friend makes a complaint? Is not the correct response, therefore, for my right hon. Friend immediately to put on countervailing duties so that it takes the Commission the same time to deal with complaints against them as it does to take action against the measures which they countervail?

Yes, Sir. I think, however, that it is important for British agriculture and horticulture not to enter a war of countervailing duties, which would cause considerable damage to our trade with Europe as well as in the other direction. If a legal foundation exists for them and it is proper to use them as an aspect of our legal rights, I would not hesitate to do so. I shall certainly not use such rights irresponsibly.

If the survival of not only the tomato section of our glasshouse industry but the carnation and lettuce sections and all the others are to be put at risk by the action of our competitors and confreres in Europe, surely the Government must give themselves the power to take the necessary countervailing action.

It is because the Government took the attitude that they would not allow the industry to disappear because of unfair competition that they recently announced the maximum possible aid for horticulture. The industry knows that it has the Government's support and that it will continue to have it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost of aids to less favoured areas in England in 1981–82.

The Supply Estimates 1981–82 provide £10,000 for forage groups and £14,922,000 for livestock allowances in less favoured areas in England, but the rates of livestock allowances for January 1982 will be reviewed this autumn.

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that marginal land could make a major contribution to increased farm productivity? Is he aware that there is considerable disquiet at the possible closure of the Great House experimental husbandry farm at Helmshore in Rossendale, Lancashire? That farm is a valuable aid to farm development in the North-West, especially to grassland management, which is useful for stock production. Will he consider this issue seriously?

No decision has been taken on the Great House farm. The Government and my Department review the manner in which we use our available resources for research and development. I can assure my hon. Friend that whatever decisions are taken will be in the best interests of farming and of ensuring that the quality of advice that is given to hill farmers and marginal land farmers continues at the high level that they have enjoyed in the past.

When the right hon. Gentleman takes over the Presidency will he investigate why the fishing vessel owners of Fleetwood can no longer send their vessels to sea because when they land their fish they make a severe loss? How do the losses affect the wages of the deck hands who work on the fishing vessels?

We have had many talks with the Fleetwood owners, who benefited very much from the aid that we announced recently. Over the past year that aid has been more substantial than the aid given in recent years. I am aware of the importance of Fleetwood. We shall keep in close contact with all those whose occupations are concerned with the fishing industry at Fleetwood.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there is now a growing body of opinion in the countryside that these payments should be linked to acreage rather than headage?

There is always a dispute over the manner in which an allowance should be paid. However, to proceed on an acreage basis would create considerable perversions. Aid would be poured into areas where the yields and results would be extremely limited. I think that the majority agree with the current principle.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that there is a strong case for creating an additional zone of assistance for marginal farmers over and above that of the less favoured areas? As it is two years since the Government inherited the previous Labour Government's study of the problems in marginal farming areas, will he say when the Government will make a policy statement?

I am shocked by the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. No survey was undertaken of marginal land by the previous Labour Government. Had I proceeded along the lines that were being followed by that Government, it would have taken four years to complete such a survey. I am glad to say that we have speeded up the process and that the survey will be completed by the autumn.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the non-marketing and conversion payments to those farmers who give up dairying are to be stopped.

The non-marketing section of the scheme closed to new applicants on 16 September 1980 and the conversion section on 5 April 1981. As premiums may be paid over a period of up to five years, actual payments to producers under the scheme will come to an end in 1985–86.

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that the payments have not been especially effective in containing the surplus? Will my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food be making alternative suggestions to contain the milk surplus when he is President of the Council of Ministers?

I agree with my hon. Friend that the scheme was not especially effective. It was taken up mainly by those who appeared to be considering leaving dairying for other reasons. For that reason we supported the closure of both the schemes. We shall consider any means that will be effective to contain the surplus created by the dairy industry generally in Europe.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 25 June.

This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having further meetings later today. This evening I am giving a dinner for the Vice-President of the United States.

Will my right hon. Friend please tell the Vice-President that there is both concern and anger in the House and in the country that money from the United States is still reaching the IRA? Will she invite the Vice-President to find some way of ensuring, in the light of ill-informed and biased reports that the American people receive from their media, that the true position is put across to the people, perhaps including an explanation that the people of Northern Ireland are just as entitled to choose their own constitutional arrangements without intimidation as, for example, are the people of Puerto Rico?

I think that the first thing that I will say to Vice-President Bush is how grateful we are for the firm stand that the United States Government have taken over Northern Ireland matters. They have made it quite clear that Northern Ireland matters are matters for the United Kingdom. I think that we should show our appreciation of that fact.

Will the right hon. Lady find time today—

Let us have a joke.

—to meet the representatives of the footwear industry who are in London today? They represent an important industry which is in a near-desperate situation. It is an important industry that is threatened partly by the Government's failure to act and partly by the Government's actions. Will the right hon. Lady undertake to meet its representatives?

I am afraid that the answer must be "No". I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that the industry has grave problems. Certain voluntary arrangements are conducted on a bilateral basis with the countries concerned which put so many imports into this country. I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade is much concerned about this. I am sure that he will see the representatives if they are here.

Will the right hon. Lady give full consideration to their proposals for controlling imports and take urgent action on the matter?

I cannot go further than I have. I know that my right hon. Friend is very concerned. We have a series of bilateral arrangements. I am sure that he will listen to any proposals that they have to make and give them urgent consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that no consideration will be given today or in the immediate future to any reductions in the BBC's overseas services, which I am sure she will agree are an essential part of British foreign policy?

I think that a question is being answered today about BBC external services. We are anxious to switch expenditure from current to capital account. In the last two years some expenditure has been switched the other way. In our view, it is better to have some 33 language services properly heard than to have 40 language services inadequately heard.

In the Prime Minister's continuing review of the Government's economic policy, will she heed the speech that her right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food made in America earlier this week, when he said that the Government's political and economic approach should not be based on the doctrines of any one group of economists?

I am sure that my right hon. Friend was referring to the fact that none of us should ever listen exclusively to the Keynesian school of economists. The report that I read, as I am sure my right hon. Friend will confirm, said:

"Mr. Peter Walker, the Minister of Agriculture, yesterday gave an optimistic account of the economic achievements of the Thatcher Government".

Will my right hon. Friend continue to press the need for industry to improve its productivity, and will she welcome the fact that in the 12 months to the first quarter of 1981, output per man hour increased by 2½ per cent., and since January unit labour costs, in comparison with those of our main competitors, have fallen by 6 per cent?

It is absolutely vital that British industry should compete, and to that end we must watch wage increases during the next round. I confirm that there have been great advances in output per man hour. In January this year, output per man reached an all-time record, and we should warmly congratulate everyone involved—management and work force alike.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 25 June.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave some moments ago.

Will the Prime Minister find time today to consider again the question that I put to her in the debate yesterday, to the effect that of those under 25, no fewer than 917,000 are unemployed, and that of males over 30 who should be employed, have been unemployed for nearly one year? No other country in Europe or in the world would accept that level of unemployment. Will the Prime Minister tell us now, not later, what she intends to do about it?

It is as well that I did not go any further than I did in answering the hon. Gentleman last night, because the figures that he asks for are not compiled. The figures for the average length of unemployment are not and never have been available.

I have them.

I am sorry, but I would not necessarily accept the hon. Gentleman's figures. I shall give him the figures that we have, which I think are the real figures about which he is concerned. The figure for those who have been unemployed for longer than a year is now just over half a million—515,913. Of course, we are concerned to do something about unemployment, but the question that we should really ask ourselves is why more people in this country do not buy British goods—[Interruption.] Hon. Members are very touchy and tetchy again today—and why so many constituents of Labour Members—and, indeed, of some Conservative Members—prefer to use their pay packets to buy foreign goods.

The right hon. Lady is leaning on a foreign Dispatch Box.

I must have made a good point there, as Labour Members are so touchy.

Is not my right hon. Friend somewhat nauseated at the way in which certain elements in the Civil Service trade unions are positively gloating at the prospect of giving added misery to those sections of the community that the House and the nation have approved as requiring special help? Does she accept that, if the Civil Service unions cause the nation great expense, that fact should be taken into account in future wage settlements?

I am well aware that a large number of people are suffering from the Civil Service strike. Nevertheless, the great majority of civil servants are loyally continuing to carry out their jobs. That is something that we must bear in mind at the same time. I hope that those who are on strike realise the damage that they are doing to the very people from whom they are seeking higher payments. I hope that they will soon end the strike and return to duty.

Will the Prime Minister ponder the fact that her Government's lack of initiative over youth unemployment causes much anxiety? She may talk about people buying British, but in West Yorkshire and many other constituencies, the British Movement is campaigning and recruiting among school leavers and school unemployed. Does she accept that her Government will be responsible for this problem?

This Government are very, very concerned about the numbers of young people who are unemployed. We are doing everything that we can to make it easier for them to stay in education or training or to have some work experience with a company, either in industry or commerce, or with a public authority. At present, we provide some 440,000 places under the youth opportunities programme. That may not be quite enough. We have received a letter from the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission asking for a number of things, including the power to increase the number of places. We shall consider the matter urgently and sympathetically.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 25 June.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave some moments ago.

Will my right hon. Friend comment on the reluctance of local authorities, whether Labour or Conservative, to consider putting their functions and services out to private enterprise?

I heard my hon. Friend make that point in his excellent speech yesterday. I agree with him that it would be far better if more local authorities put some of their services out to private companies. I agree that it would often be cheaper, as has happened in Southend, where the services are cheaper and where the rates have been reduced by 1p in the pound. I hope that more authorities will follow the example of Southend.

Will the Prime Minister find time in the near future to intervene in the dispute in Laurence Scott Electromotors (Manchester) Ltd, where workers and constituents of mine are staging a sit-in to preserve their jobs? Will she try, where local Members of Parliament have failed, to open a dialogue with the management which, judging by its letters and actions, is the epitome of the unacceptable face of capitalism?

I must say "No" to the hon. Gentleman, as he would expect. It is not for me to settle disputes, but for those who are party to them to come to a negotiated settlement.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 25 June.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave some moments ago.

Would my right hon. Friend reflect and agree that the constant calls for protectionism and import controls are simply the expression of stark fear on the part of those who have little faith in the traditional ability of the United Kingdom to export, as it has done throughout the generations? Does she not agree that protectionism cannot safeguard our standard of living and will increase unemployment?

Apart from one or two industries, including textiles, footwear and cars, where we have voluntary or negotiated arrangements for import controls, I agree with my hon. Friend that general import controls would be highly damaging to a number of jobs in this country, because there are a tremendous number of jobs in exports, and we should do nothing to harm their chances of success. Moreover, general import controls considerably put up the cost of living and do nothing to enhance the competitiveness of our industries, which would shelter behind a wall of protectionism.

As the Prime Minister said that people in Britain should buy British, will she undertake to ensure that a survey is carried out among Conservative Members, including Ministers, to find out how many of them have British and not foreign cars, and how many of their relatives have foreign, not British, cars?

I shall carry out no such survey. It is a matter for hon. Members themselves. If we inquire why more people do not buy British, we shall find that in some cases it is because overseas goods are better value. We then get straight back to the competitiveness, value and service of British industry. [Interruption.] However much Opposition Members yowl and scowl, in the end we must have competitive British industry producing the sort of goods that we want to buy.