43. Captain RAMSAYasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that Scottish producers can derive no benefits from the Horticultural Imports Act, as at present all the maturity dates in the schedules satisfy English climatic conditions only; and if he will bring in an amending Bill to alter the dates so as to apply to Scotland?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)I cannot accept the contention that Scottish producers can derive no benefit from the operation of the Horticultural Products (Emergency Customs Duties) Act, 1931. The rates of duty and the periods laid down in the Orders were only fixed after the most careful attention had been given to the views of all the interests concerned, including those of Scottish growers, and to all other relevant considerations. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that it was the intention of the Act to restrict imports of early fruit and vegetables rather than to afford protection during the period when home produce was being marketed in bulk. Further, although the Act expires in December next and will not be renewed, the general 10 per cent. ad valorem duty to be imposed under the provisions of the Import Duties Act will apply to all articles in respect of which Orders have been made under the Horticultural Products Act during the periods when the duties under that Act are not in operation. It will also be open to the Import Duties Advisory Committee to recommend an additional duty on any article chargeable with the general ad valorem duty.