§ 21. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the imports of preserved fruit from foreign countries exceed in volume and value the imports of similar commodities from our Dominions and Colonies, he will with the object of encouraging production consider introducing a further measure of preferential treatment for preserved fruit from the British Empire?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI would remind my hon. Friend that preserved fruits imported from British countries already enjoy a substantial measure of preference as the result of the Ottawa Agreements Act, 1932,'and otherwise. Such particulars of our imports for this year as are available suggest that the Empire share of the trade in these goods is expanding.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the right hon. Gentleman take into account the desirability, in view of the importance of this trade, of enlarging the preference when the opportunity arises?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir. We always keep in mind matters of that sort.
§ Miss HORSBRUGHWill he also keep in mind the importance of the trade in this country and see that we do not let it go?