HC Deb 26 July 1950 vol 478 cc459-60
64. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Food how many tons of foreign apples, pears and plums he has contracted or will permit to be imported during the months of August, September and October.

Mr. Webb

The last shipment of apples from the southern Dominions has already arrived, and no arrangements for further imports from any source have yet been made. Pears may be imported by private traders under open general licence, and I cannot say how many will come in. I described the arrangements for plums in the reply I gave the hon. Member on 8th May.

Mr. Bossom

In the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman, will this enable all the crops that have been grown in these islands and are good, to be used?

Mr. Webb

I should have thought so—1 am fairly sure about it.

Mr. Nabarro

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that last year very large quantities of apples produced in Worcestershire were rendered unsaleable due to these promiscuous imports of tasteless Italian apples? Will he take steps to prevent such a recurrence this year?

Mr. Webb

We are trying to secure a balance between imports and our home trade, but I have to protect the interests of the consumer, who wants to get this commodity at a reasonable price. I think the arrangement we are working is, on the whole, satisfactory and fair both to the consumer and the producer.

Mr. Paton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that large numbers of people last year could not buy a good apple at any price?

Mr. Nabarro

Come to Worcestershire.