HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 cc847-8
34. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Food if he will stop the import of foreign strawberries until the farmers of Kent have had the opportunity of putting theirs upon the market.

Mr. Webb

No, Sir. We already have arrangements for imports to stop when the total quantity landed in the course of our main season reaches 2,500 tons provided, of course, that we do not need more. I do not think that this limited import will interfere with the marketing of the home crop; it is likely to be no more than about 5 per cent. of total.

Mr. Bossom

Is the Minister aware that the farmers in the centre of my constituency are of the opinion that they will have to plough in their strawberries this year, because it will not pay them to pick them any more than it did to pick their plums last year? Is he also aware that they have been told by the canners that they do not want any of their pulp this year?

Mr. Webb

I can only repeat that this matter is one which is constantly discussed between myself, trying to represent the consumer interest, and the Minister of Agriculture, representing, quite properly, the growers. We are trying to arrive at a balance of interest and on the whole, it works well.

Mr. Deedes

Is the Minister aware that owing to the enormous quantity of strawberry pulp on the market, farmers are finding it impossible to make contracts with the jam manufacturers? If something is not done, and farmers have to plough in their strawberries, housewives will not be able to get any fresh strawberries next year.

Mr. Snow

Is the Minister aware that such is the mechanism of the market that last Thursday, Essex strawberry growers secured 7d. a lb., of which 2d. had to go on transport and 2d. to the pickers?

Mr. Webb

That is hardly relevant to this Question.

Mr. Bossom

Does the Minister think of consulting with members of the National Farmers' Union in Kent on this subject?