HC Deb 25 February 1946 vol 419 cc1543-4
23. Sir Arthur Salter

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in the grant or refusal of import licences for market garden produce, the maintenance of prices in the interests of the home producer through restricting the supplies on the market is among the considerations now taken into account.

Sir S. Cripps

Among the considerations which determine whether import licences are granted for any particular type of market garden produce, as for other commodities, is the adequacy of domestic pro- duction. This means that the interests of home producers are considered, but it does not mean that supplies are restricted to the point at which unduly high prices are maintained.

Sir A. Salter

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider that there is really such a surplus of any imported foodstuffs at this moment that it is necessary for him to drive up prices and create an artificial scarcity?

Sir S. Cripps

There is no question of driving up prices. It is a question of allowing such imports as enable the best use possible to be made of market garden produce.

Sir A. Salter

Is there really such a surplus of any market garden produce at the present time?

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir, in certain areas.