§ 3. Major BARNETTasked 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-LISTERParticulars 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 BARNETTWould 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-LISTERThe right hon. Gentleman the Financial Secretary of the Treasury is present.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNOh, then may we consider that the Government are considering taxes on food?
§ Major WHELERDo these luxury imports get the benefit of the special railway rates?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI cannot say as to that.