§ 38. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Minister of Food what representations he has received from Australia and New Zealand on the admission of Argentine 1657 apples under the new trade agreement; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this trade being damaged.
§ Mr. F. WilleyNo such representations have been received. Judging from the keen demand for dessert apples, these supplies have been very welcome to the housewife, and I cannot imagine that the trade has damaged anybody.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerWill not the Minister wait a little while until he realises, and until the Australian and New Zealand apple and pear growers realise, that the market will be flooded with a lot of Argentine apples just before the Australian and New Zealand fruit comes into the market? Will he say why he has done this to the Dominions, which have never held us to ransom?
§ Mr. WilleyI think I can assure the House that there is no possibility of that happening.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs not this a typical case of foreign fruit being allowed into this country while British fruit rots?
§ Mr. Julian AmeryDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary's reply mean that the Government are trying to extricate themselves from the muddle they made over meat at the expense of Dominion producers, who are producing other goods?
§ Mr. WilleyPresent prices indicate that there is a very good market for apples in this country.