§ 21. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Food what quantities of apples are to be imported from dollar sources between December, 1951, and March, 1952; the aggregate value of import licences granted respectively in sterling and dollars; and whether such dollar transactions for purchase of apples will in future be prohibited.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeImports of apples from North America this season are being made on private account. I am not prepared to disclose the permitted expenditure on these apples. As regards the last part of the Question, such importation would necessarily have to be considered in the light of the general dollar situation now under review.
§ Mr. NabarroIs it not a fact that the imports on private account were licensed by the Ministry of Food; that the dollars required were licensed by the Treasury; and, in view of the dollar situation, can we have an unequivocal assurance that there will not be a repetition of this disastrous state of affairs?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe hon. Gentleman must realise that commitments of this sort were already entered into and must be fulfilled.
§ Mr. MitchisonWhy is the Minister allowing apples to be imported on private account if we are not paying our way?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThis commitment was entered into a considerable time ago.
§ Mr. NabarroIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that our home-produced apple supplies, coupled with that from the Dominions and other soft currency sources, is more than adequate for our needs without this importation from America, involving payment in dollars?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI can only say that most of these importations will be going on in winter, well past the peak of the home-grown apple crop.
§ Mr. NabarroNo, it will not. They are coming in now.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, but it is past the peak of the home-grown crop.
§ Mr. AdamsCould the Minister distinguish between the arrangement made for the private import of apples and the private import of tinned hams?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot.