§ 71. Mr. SITCHasked the Minister of Food if he can state the quantities of jam imported into the United Kingdom from Australia during the past 12 months, and the amount of the same placed upon the home markets during that period; whether any importers of that commodity have found it difficult or impossible to dispose of the same in this country, and, if so, why; whether applications for supplies have been received from the Continent and refused; if so, on what grounds; and will he state the general policy of the Ministry when dealing with jam imported from the Commonwealth of Australia?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)The total quantity of jam, fruit, jelly, and marmalade imported into the United Kingdom from Australasia during the year ending 31st May, 1920, was 11,416 tons. Licences were granted for the re-export of 1,641 tons. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on the 19th May. No licences for re-export have been refused since October, 1919. No restrictions of any kind are imposed by the Ministry of Food on the sale of these jams.