§ 11. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that there is a large tonnage of onions available in Norfolk and Suffolk which it is already difficult for growers to dispose of, owing to the size of the current home grown crop, and that the forthcoming importation of 60,000 tons of onions from overseas will cause considerable prejudice and loss to the home growers; and what steps he is taking to meet this situation.
§ 25. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Food what steps have been taken to delay the import of onions from the Continent to enable home growers to find a market.
§ Mr. StracheyDuring the early winter months, most imported onions come from Holland. In view of the late and heavy crop of home-grown onions, the Dutch Government have agreed at our request to limit their exports of onions to this country until the middle of December to those consignments for which firm sales had already been affected by 28th October, when the arrangement was made.
§ Commander MaitlandCan the Minister say what quantity of onions will be available in those cases where firm sales have been arranged?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, not without notice, but it is a small part of the general transaction.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the Minister quite satisfied that the home crop will be disposed of before the imported crop has any effect on the home markets?
§ Mr. StracheyWell, I would not like to give a guarantee to the last onion.