HC Deb 20 March 1952 vol 497 cc2539-40
28. Mr. Rupert De la Bère

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the total tonnage of imported asparagus which the Government intend to restrict importing into this country between mid-April and end of June this year; and whether he will consider increasing the protective duty on imported asparagus.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Member for Heeley (Mr. P. Roberts) on 28th February and 6th March.

Mr. De la Bère

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that the position was not then made clear? Can we not have a clear statement?

Mr. Thorneycroft

This matter is still being considered as part of a comprehensive tariff application by the National Farmers' Union on horticultural products.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is thoroughly unsatisfactory?