§ 61. Mr. PETHERICKasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give figures showing the increase in employment resulting from the protection afforded by the Horticultural Imports Act; and if he will, during the forthcoming negotiations for a trade agreement with Holland, keep in mind the case for continued tariffs on horticultural imports?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)The information asked for is not available, but the matter to which my hon. Friend refers will be borne in mind in connection, with the forthcoming negotiations with the Netherlands.
§ Mr. PETHERICKCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman make any statement to allay the growing alarm among fruit, vegetable and flower growers in this country at the negotiations with Holland and France?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, sir, I can make no statement during the negotiations except that which I have made, that the matter to which my hon. Friend refers will be fully taken into account.
§ Mr. EVERARDIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that if the duty were reduced it would cause consternation and enormous unemployment among people who have been put into work by the recent duties?
§ Mr. L. SMITHBefore any concessions are given in this connection will it be ascertained that the balance of trade is either equal or in our favour?
§ Lieut.- Colonel COLVILLEThe matters raised by my hon. Friends will be borne in mind.