HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 c497
27. Mr. Marples

asked the Minister of Food whether he will import apples from Canada in view of the fact that their 1948 crop is almost a record crop.

The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)

Unfortunately, we have to use our very limited supply of dollars for more essential imports—such as Canadian wheat, bacon, cheese and eggs.

Mr. Marples

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is likely this year that these apples will go bad in British Columbia; that while food is going bad there people in this country need it; and does he consider that to be good planning?

Mr. Strachey

If the hon. Gentleman can give us any suggestion as to how we might buy this food and how we might provide the dollars for it, we would like to have it.

Mr. Marples

Has the right hon. Gentleman approached the Canadian Government in this matter?