§ 25. Mr. Fletcher-Cookeasked the Minister of Food to rescind the ban on the import of parcels containing canned fruit, dried fruit and sweets from Ireland.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe Parliamentary Secretary has written to my hon. Friend explaining why we cannot rescind the ban at present.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeBut the reasons are entirely unconvincing. Would not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that the housewife can be relied upon not to buy these fruits if they are too expensive? If they are sufficiently cheap, should she not have an opportunity of buying them?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI have nothing whatever to add to the answer which my hon. Friend gave, except to repeat what 402 he said in the second paragraph—that it is almost impossible to have them without serious abuse.
§ Sir Edward KeelingIs this ban based on restrictions imposed by the Government of Ireland, and, if so, why cannot the Government of Ireland be left to enforce them at its own ports and post offices?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI will very gladly talk this matter over with my hon. Friend, because it is a very complicated matter not in the least suitable to be dealt with by Question and answer.