§ 2. Mr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the increased duty on oranges coming into this country as from 1st April, which was introduced in order to benefit the South African orange industry, cannot benefit that industry until the end of May, in view of the fact that there is no substantial quantity of South African oranges reaching this country during April and May; and whether, in these circumstances, he will suggest to the South African Government that they should now agree to the abolition of the duty, in view of the unnecessary damage which it inflicts upon the mandated territory of Palestine?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI will bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion regarding the date at which this duty operates. I would remind him that the higher duty imposed on oranges between 1st April and 30th November is in accordance with the agreements concluded at Ottawa in 1932, not only with the Union of South Africa but also with the Commonwealth of Australia and Southern Rhodesia.