§ 27. Mr. GEORGE HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what proportion of the sum of £1,000,000 earmarked for furthering Dominion trade is allocated to Australian dried fruits?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Empire Marketing Board, by whom I am advised in the administration of the grant in question, has recommended that no attempt should be made to apportion the grant in detail amongst various parts of the Empire. While, therefore, I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that the needs of the Australian dried fruit trade, whether as regards research or publicity, have by no means been overlooked, I cannot specify any definite amount as having been allocated for its benefit.
§ Mr. HARVEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of marketing Australian dried fruits in this country is stated in the trade to be ten times as much as the cost of figs from Smyrna?
§ Mr. AMERYI cannot answer as to the exact amount off-hand, but I fear there is a considerable disproportion. We are endeavouring in every way to improve the marketing facilities for this fruit in this country. All I wish to say is that we have not proceeded on the principle of allocating a definite amount to that particular trade.
§ Mr. HARDIECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the disproportion he refers to is due to transport, labour, or any other cause of that sort?
§ Mr. AMERYI believe all the facts are set out in a very interesting report by the Imperial Economic Committee, but I cannot give an answer on the details off-hand.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not Australian fruit much better, cleaner and in better condition, and is that not more expensive to market than the dirty fruit coming from the Mediterranean?