§ 42. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Food whether in view of the fact that home growers have responded to the call for an increased cultivation of home grown onions for 1948 by producing a record crop much of which will not find a market by 15th November, 1948, when imports are due to come in, he will take steps to delay these imports for a month and so avoid wastage of a valuable food crop and the undermining of the confidence of the agricultural industry.
§ Mr. StracheyI am aware that owing to a record but late crop of home grown onions this year, supplies will be heavy during the coming weeks. Steps have, therefore, already been taken to delay the import of onions from the Continent.
§ Mr. RentonCould the Minister say until what date the imports will be delayed?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. It is not exactly a question of dates but of the volume of imports over the next few weeks.