§ 52. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Agriculture the average acreage devoted to fruit production in the United Kingdom during 1951; the estimated average acreage in 1952; and what measures are contemplated to offset the reduction of fruit imports from Western Europe and elsewhere during 1952.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe total area in the United Kingdom returned at 4th June. 654 1951, as occupied by fruit grown primarily for sale was 331,671 acres. The corresponding forecast for 4th June, 1952, is 333,000 acres but this is subject to a wide margin of error. New plantings made in 1951 would bear no fruit in 1952, but the National Agricultural Advisory Service are always ready to advise growers on means of increasing the productivity of existing plantings.
§ Mr. NabarroWould my right hon. and gallant Friend answer the second part of the Question which deals specifically with the measures contemplated to offset reductions of European fruit imports?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI attempted to answer that by saying that the National Agricultural Advisory Service are always available to try to help growers and to show them ways and means of increasing their productivity.