§ 11. Brigadier Raynerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware 2204 that the South African Government have imposed a ban on the importation of mead into the Union; and whether, in view of the fact that this country offers a ready market for South African wines, he will make representations in favour of this historically English liquor.
Mr. H. WilsonYes, Sir. Our senior trade commissioner has already taken up this matter with the Union authorities, and they have explained that the purpose of the ban, which does not arise from economic considerations, was to prevent the introduction of a disease of bees which is capable of being transmitted in honey. I understand that if it can be shown that imported mead is free of all possibility of carrying infection, the Union authorities will consider the matter further.
§ Brigadier RaynerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this can be definitely shown, and will he do all he can to encourage and revive this British industry?
Mr. WilsonI share the hon. and gallant Member's view, both in regard to the extremely high quality and acceptability of this particular liquor, and also its importance in the revival of this industry. If the trade are able to show that they can avoid the transmission of this disease, I am sure that the Union authorities will be prepared to co-operate.