HC Deb 29 November 1948 vol 458 cc1632-3
52. Mr. D. Marshall

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the difficulties that beset the horticultural industry in Cornwall; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the position.

Mr. G. Brown

Cornish growers, like growers in other parts of the country, have been affected by the recent decline in vegetable prices, the market being unable to absorb the exceptionally heavy crops. The latest market reports, however, show a slight improvement in the prices of cauliflower, of which a large acreage is grown in Cornwall. It is not possible to provide a guaranteed market for these crops, but I am glad to note that Cornish growers of cauliflower are themselves taking steps to improve the marketing quality of their produce. Apart from the foregoing, I am not aware of any special difficulties besetting the horticultural industry in Cornwall, but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will communicate with me, I will be glad to look into it.

Mr. Beechman

Will the Minister bear in mind that the Cornish broccoli growers were officially encouraged to grow broccoli, and that an open licence has now been granted for 7,000 tons to be imported into this country during the season that matters' most—the beginning of the year? Will the hon. Gentleman also remember that all farmers wish to maintain wages at their present level?

Mr. Brown

It is easy for a misunderstanding to arise about this matter. It is quite true that there has been a licence issued for the import of 7,000 tons between 1st November and 28th February, but up to 20th November, only about 50 tons had been imported. That clearly is not the seat of the trouble. The evidence I have indicates that growers of good-quality and well-graded vegetables are much less affected by the question of price than the people who supply less good products.

Commander Agnew

Will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary say whether the Cornwall Farmers' Union or officials of his Ministry appointed for duty in Cornwall were consulted before this decision was taken, and whether they gave their consent to the granting of the import licence?

Mr. Brown

I will look at that matter, but I think that the answer is that consultations took place.

Mr. Marshall

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the acute difficulty of the potato growers in the Tamar Valley with regard to the immediate dispersal of their potato crop. I have already informed the Ministry of Food about this matter, but owing to the fact that this storage space is required for the cattle coming in for the winter and for the feedingstuffs for them, it is also a matter for the Ministry of Agriculture. Will he immediately investigate this matter?

Mr. Brown

The Ministry of Food must have some place to put this crop. One of the reasons for the problem, I suppose, is that because of the very mild year the farming season has been a little extended as a result of the grass continuing to grow for so long, with the result that food for stock has not been taken up quite so much as was anticipated.