§ 10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade the amount and value of fruit and vegetables, respectively, grown outside the United Kingdom and re-exported from British ports during last year; the amount and value of British-grown fruit and vegetables exported during last year; and whether he has considered the effects of the Merchandise Marks Bill now before Parliament on this re-export trade?
§ Viscount WOLMERAs regards the first and second parts of the question, I am having a statement printed in the OFFICIAI, REPORT. As regards the last part, I am not clear how the obligation to mark cases of fruit or vegetables with the word "imported" can prejudice the interests of the British exporter in the markets to which the produce is sent.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the Department of the Noble Lord draw the attention of the Minister of 1853 Agriculture to the enormous volume of these imports and the practical difficulty of marketing without extra expense?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe Board of Trade is satisfied that no injury to the export trade will result.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHave the Board of Trade consulted the great importers?
§ Viscount WOLMERYes. The Board of Trade have been in close touch with the commercial community on this matter.
§ The following is tie statement referred to:
§ The following statement shows for the commodities specified the quantities and values of (a) re-exports from the United Kingdom of foreign and Colonial pro-due? and (b) exports of United Kingdom produce in the year 1922:
| (a) Re-exports of Foreign and Colonial Produce. | ||
| Cwts. | £ | |
| Fresh fruit and nuts used as fruit, raw | 520,105 | 988,488 |
| Vegetables, raw | 316,138 | 292,464 |
| (b).Exports of United Kingdom Produce. | ||
| Cwts. | £ | |
| Fruit and nuts used as fruit, raw | 4,025 | 15,139 |
| Vegetables, raw | 2,914,947 | 932,137 |