HC Deb 10 March 1931 vol 249 cc979-80
33. Major COLVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the communication from the Edinburgh Nurserymen and Gardeners' Trade Association urging the control of the imports of foreign vegetables, soft fruit and bulbous flowers; and what answer he has returned?

Mr. JOHNSTON

No answer has yet been made to the communication referred to. The representations made by the Edinburgh Nurserymen and Gardeners' Trade Association are similar to those previously made by the Scottish Fruit-growing Associations, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to his question of 24th February on this subject, to the effect that it was quite clear to him that the first necessity in this industry is that the Scottish growers should organise themselves and put their marketing arrangements on a sound basis, and that he hoped that the Marketing Bill would give them the opportunity to do so.

Major COLVILLE

Does that answer indicate that the Government refuse to consider under any circumstances helping this industry by controlling the importation of foreign produce?