§ 55. Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the home market for lettuces cannot be provided from home production without the necessity of foreign imports.
§ Sir B. SmithI am quite satisfied that the home production of lettuce during the periods in which importation is to be permitted will not be sufficient to meet the demand.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has consulted with the representatives of the growers before coming to this conclusion, and is he aware that there is a feeling among them that this unrestricted importation of foreign lettuces is a poor return for their response to official exhortation for more production?
§ Sir B. SmithIt is not my province to consult direct with the growers. That is for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. May I say that the estimated consumption requirements of this country, as against estimated home production are: 1924 March requirements 2,000 tons, production 1,200 tons; April requirements 5–8,000 tons, production 3,200 tons; May requirements 14,000 tons, production 6,000 tons. I do not propose to keep this country short of 8,000 tons.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that the importation of these lettuces will be confined to that margin and will not he more than that?
§ Mr. BeechmanWill the Minister bear in mind that the home production of fresh salads and vegetables is of nutritional value to consumers and can afford a way of life to producers which is of benefit to the whole nation?
§ Sir B. SmithYes, Sir, I understand that thoroughly, but, on the other hand, I cannot stand by and see lettuces charged for at 2s. 6d. a head.
§ Mr. Norman SmithIs not the best lettuce that which one grows oneself?