§ 68. Major PROCTERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the dislocation of the Spanish orange trade and the consequent importation of larger quantities of oranges from Palestine, he will consider the desirability, as a matter of urgency, of removing the present duty levied on such oranges, in view of the fact that cheap oranges have now become a public necessity and that there is no trade organisation in this country which is in a position to make application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee?
§ Dr. BURGINOranges are subject at this time of the year to the general ad valorem duty of 10 per cent. Any proposal that this duty should be removed is, in the first instance, a matter for the consideration of the Import Duties Advisory Committee. It is open to any United Kingdom interest concerned (for example, a wholesale or retail fruit trade association, of which there are several) to make representations to the committee in favour of the removal of the duty if they think fit.
§ Mr. LEACHCan the hon. Gentleman say what was the original purpose of this duty and whether it has been served?
§ Dr. BURGINNot without notice.