§ 55. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture why he has advised farmers 27 and market gardeners not to increase further the acreage of vegetables; and if it is the Government's intention simultaneously to restrict the importation of competing supplies from the Continent.
§ Mr. G. BrownThe acreage under vegetables is now. 80 per cent. greater than in 1939, and except in the case of early frame-grown vegetables, no further expansion is considered to be necessary. With regard to the last part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food has stated on several occasions that the fresh fruit and vegetable import programme is designed to supplement home production with a view to giving the consumer a full supply at reasonable prices while avoiding the creation of glut conditions.
§ Mr. HurdDoes the Minister intend to advise growers here to reduce the acreage of onions in 1949 so as to make room for more inported onions?
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksDoes the hon. Gentleman's reply mean that this country is now self-supporting in fresh vegetables?
§ Mr. CollinsIs the present vegetable acreage regarded as the proper maximum, or is a lower figure contemplated?
§ Mr. BrownAll that the advice referred to says is that, having regard to the increase since 1939, we feel, that further expansion in the acreage of vegetables would not be advisable.
§ Major Sir Thomas DugdaleWill the Minister simultaneously restrict the importation of competing supplies from the Continent, as that is very important?
§ Mr. BrownAmong other factors, consultations take place about the level of imports having regard to home production.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWould the hon. Gentleman bear in mind and tell the Ministry of Food that at the moment there are hundreds of thousands of tons of home-produced onions rotting in my constituency and in others, and that the growers themselves are only too anxious for the price to be reduced to the consumer if the Ministry will help them to get them on to the market?