§ 12. Mr. HANNONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the imposition of a quota for imports of oranges from foreign countries, in view of the fact that the present import duty of 3s. 6d. per cwt. on foreign-grown fruit is inadequate to prevent quantities of oranges of foreign origin being placed upon the markets in this country to the detriment of citrus fruit development in British Dominions and Colonies?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy only power to regulate imports of agricultural products is derived from Section 1 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933, which does not apply where the interests of agriculture in the United Kingdom are not affected.
§ Mr. HANNONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of this industry to many of our Dominions and Colonies, and cannot the Department take some steps to give them a preference in our own market?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThey get a preference in our own market.