§ 104. Mr. GWYNNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the probability of the dumping of foreign fruit and vegetables in this country, he will take steps to arrange for preferential rates for fruit and market garden produce grown in this country?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENIt is not within the powers of the Board to determine railway rates or to arrange for 751 preferential fates for home-grown produce, but they will continue their endeavours to ensure equitable treatment for British growers.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes that mean that they will continue their efforts to prevent foreign fruit coming into this country?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENNo; it means exactly what I said.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLIn the reorganisation of the Board of Agriculture that has been adumbrated by my hon. Friend, will he see that it is carried out so that it is in their power to control such matters?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENI must ask for notice of that.
§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSWill the Board of Agriculture, in considering these matters, bear in mind the great importance of cheap fruit and vegetables to the masses of the people of this country?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENYes; we are quite aware of that.