HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc19-20
40. Mr. Hare

asked the Minister of Food in what quantities foreign carrots are being imported into this country; and for what reason.

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir, the quantity of carrots being imported is, unfortunately, small. Carrots are imported to eat.

Mr. Hare

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that horticulturists of this country were encouraged to grow large quantities of carrots this year but that they have been unable to sell them for eating and have had to dispose of them for animal feeding purposes? How does he reconcile the fact that he is importing carrots with the fact that there are carrots available for sale, certainly in East Anglia?

Mr. Strachey

When I inform the hon. Member that only 32 tons were imported during January, he will see the magnitude of the question.

Major Lloyd

Could not some of these be used to supplement the Government's White Paper and to provide the incentive needed?

Mr. Collins

Is it not a fact that the carrots now being imported are new young carrots which are not grown in this country at the present time? Would he see whether they could be imported without their foliage in order to save freight and costs, and to save the carrots going bad in transit?