§ 26. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the resident of the Board of Trade how far e plans to lower the import quota foreign tomatoes at the height of the Scottish growers' season this summer.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftAs was stated in the Board of Trade Journal of 2nd February last, the open general licence for tomatoes will be suspended this year from 16th June to 15th October inclusive. During this period the quantities of imports to be licensed are 3,600 tons from 16th June to 30th June, 7,200 tons from 1st July to 31st July, 2,300 tons from 1st August to 31st August, and none from 1st September to 15th October.
Both the periods of suspension of the open general licence and the quantities to be imported during those periods will be subject to review in the light of supplies available from home production.
§ Mr. MaitlandIs my right hon. Friend aware that imports last year were lower than the quotas, which is an argument for lowering the quotas themselves? Will he bear that in mind in relation to the Scottish season?