HC Deb 12 May 1925 vol 183 c1629
3. Major BARNETT

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the total imports from foreign countries during 1924 of asparagus, strawberries, and other vegetables and fruits out of season; and whether figures are available as to the amount of such luxury imports from the Channel Islands and other parts of the British Empire?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Particulars of the imports of strawberries, of various other descriptions of fresh fruits, of potatoes, of onions and of tomatoes are given month by month in the Official Accounts relating to trade and navigation of the United Kingdom. These accounts also show separately the imports of potatoes from the Channel Islands. Asparagus is included in the heading, "Vegetables, raw, not elsewhere specified," and separate particulars regarding that vegetable are, accordingly, not available.

Major BARNETT

Would the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to these luxury imports, in view of the fact that asparagus at £2 a bundle and strawberries at Is. each are not in any sense the food of the people?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The right hon. Gentleman the Financial Secretary of the Treasury is present.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Oh, then may we consider that the Government are considering taxes on food?

Major WHELER

Do these luxury imports get the benefit of the special railway rates?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I cannot say as to that.

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