20 Nabarroasked the Minister of Food whether he will state the aggregate value of fruit imports from areas outside the British Commonwealth during 1951 the estimated aggregate for 1952 after inclusion of the import cuts; and how the difference is to be made good.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeImports from outside the Commonwealth were £36.6 million in 1951. I cannot forecast the corresponding figure for 1952. since most citrus fruits may still be imported under open general licence. I hope that supplies from home production and from sterling sources will help to make good the loss from import cuts.
§ Mr. NabarroIs my right hon. and gallant Friend in a position to assure the home growers that if they increase their crop of fruit this year and next year they will not be penalised later on by the flooding of the English market with imported and largely tasteless fruit? Can he give any long-term assurance?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI have already given an assurance on another Question I was asked.