HC Deb 04 March 1946 vol 420 cc6-7
16. Sir Arthur Salter

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what reason licences for the importation of tomatoes are being refused.

Sir S. Cripps

So far as imports from the Canary Islands are concerned, I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given on 27th February by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food, to the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Freeman). As has already been publicly announced, licences to import limited quantities of tomatoes from France and Holland will also be issued.

Sir A. Salter

Now that the Government's policy has somewhat improved in respect of this commodity, although only in the last few days, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether, in the case of other market garden produce, the Government will reverse their disastrous policy of seeking to protect home producers interests by creating an artificial scarcity?

Sir S. Cripps

I am not aware of any such policy of the Government.

Sir A. Salter

Does not the Minister remember the replies given by himself and the Minister of Agriculture, a few days ago in both of which cases it was stated that consideration is given to the home producers' interests before allowing importation into this country?

Sir S. Cripps

Every consideration was given, but that does not mean that consideration rules the event.