HC Deb 18 June 1941 vol 372 c658
66. Sir W. Davison

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether further consideration will be given to the proposed placing of a ban on the importation of jam from Australia and South Africa, seeing that this is a finished product, usually sent in tins, in which the jam can be kept for a long period, thereby saving the importation of sugar and fruit from abroad and the utilisation of labour in this country, which is much needed for war purposes, both in the making of the jam itself and in the jars to contain the same?

Major Lloyd George

The question of future imports of canned jam from the sources mentioned by my hon. Friend is at present under consideration.

Sir W. Davison

Will my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind the probable shortage of fruits in this country, and the great desirability of getting these supplies from Australia and South Africa which would give, the additional benefit referred to in the Question, namely, saving labour and sugar in this country?

Major Lloyd George

Certainly. My hon. Friend will realise that very substantial imports have been coming from Australia this year.