§ 56 and 57. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Food (1) what financial arrangements are being made for the handling and disposal of imported Teneriffe tomatoes this season;
(2) what is holding up the arrival in this country of cargoes of tomatoes from the Canary Islands.
§ Sir B. SmithThe arrangements for the importation of tomatoes from the Canary Islands are under discussion with the Spanish Government. In the circumstances, therefore, it would be undesirable to make any statement on the subject at the present time.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs the Minister aware that there are four ships outside the harbours in the Canary Islands which have waited for a fortnight to be loaded with tomatoes; and is he aware that we require tomatoes in this country at the present time?
§ Sir B. SmithYes, Sir. I am also aware of the fact that we require them on terms which will at least be beneficial to this country.
§ Mr. S. ShephardCan the right hon. Gentleman say when we are likely to have a few bananas in this country?
§ Sir B. SmithI hope to satisfy the long felt want of the hon. Gentleman in the very near future.
§ Mrs. Jean MannWill my right hon. Friend give an assurance that when the supplies do arrive, they will not be monopolised by England, and that Scotland gets a fair share?
§ Sir B. SmithI must say to the hon. Lady that I draw no distinctions between one country and another.
§ Sir B. SmithThe subject was bananas.