§ 14. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the President of the Board of Trade the value of raw fruit imported for the years 1925 and 1926; and what proportion of this amount was imported from Empire sources?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)The value of raw fruit (other than nuts used as fruit) imported into the United Kingdom in 1925 was £28,934,000, and in 1926, £31,170,000. The proportion consigned from British countries was 26.1 per cent. in 1925, and 26.7 per cent. in 1926.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKDoes not the hon. Gentleman think the difference in the proportions is very great, and that there could be a decrease in the ratio of foreign to Empire fruit?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI do not know what the Board of Trade can do. These matters work themselves out in the processes of trade.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that most of this fruit comes from the Continent which is not British territory, and nothing can prevent it coming in except Protection?