§ 76. Major Sir GRANVILLE WHELERasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to prevent the importation this year of cherries from abroad which are infested with maggots?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)Discussions with the French Government are still in progress, and I regret that at the moment I can 1037 add nothing to the reply which I gave to the Member for Stone on the 25th ultimo.
Sir G. WHEELERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these French cherries are mixed with English cherries with the result that it is a very set ions matter for the British cherry producer, and will he take steps to see that something is done?
§ Mr. GUINNESSWe are pursuing the matter actively. Sir Daniel Hall had an interview yesterday in Paris with the French authorities, and I hope, as a result, that we shall avoid the necessity of controlling the imports here by the checking of the exports on the other side.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that a great proportion of this fruit is brought into this country in the condition described?
§ Mr. GUINNESSThe hon. and gallant Gentleman may rest assured that if we find a cherry which has a maggot in it it comes from Western Europe. As far as is known, the cherry fly-larva is never found in this country.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that I represent an importing country where the greatest care is taken by the Association of Manufacturers to see that the fruit brought in is absolutely sound?
§ Mr. GUINNESSYes, it could not be in their interests to encourage these maggotty cherries.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThey do not buy them!