HC Deb 02 November 1949 vol 469 cc401-2
59. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Food why, when the British farmers have produced a good crop of pears, he permitted the import of Italian pears into this country of approximately three times the amount mentioned in the Imports Agreement with Italy this year.

Mr. Strachey

The hon. Member is, I am afraid, under a misapprehension, for pears are not separately specified in this year's Anglo-Italian Trade Agreement. I see no reason to exclude these imports of pears. Home production is far from adequate to meet the demand.

Mr. Bossom

Does not the Minister recognise that he allowed an almost unlimited or uncontrolled number of pears to be imported this year and that that seriously interfered with our own farmers? Is not that a most unbusinesslike arrangement?

Mr. Strachey

The position is that we produce about half the number of pears consumed in this country. Since 5th October pears come in under the Liberalisation of European Trade proposals on open general licence and are not, therefore, under my control.

Mr. Turton

Before the Minister allowed these large imports of pears, amounting this year to £4½ million, did he consult the Minister of Agriculture?

Mr. Strachey

That figure is not correct, but refers to fruit in general and not to pears alone. I repeat the statement, which the hon. Member does not seem to have taken in, that pears are now on open general licence.