HC Deb 07 July 1953 vol 517 cc1029-30
10. Sir L. Ropner

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will control the import of dehydrated vegetables.

The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. H. R. Mackeson)

Dehydrated vegetables imported from the sterling area, from Western Europe and certain other foreign countries are covered by an open general licence, and it is not proposed to restrict the quantities which may be imported from those countries. The producers of dehydrated vegetables have been advised that if they wish to make an application for an increase in the present rate of duty the Board of Trade will examine it.

Sir L. Ropner

Can my hon. Friend say whether there has been a considerable recent increase in the amount of imported dehydrated vegetables?

Mr. Mackeson

I have some figures here, but I should like to see that question in writing.

Mr. Bottomley

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether a record is being kept of the number of times he is pressed by his hon. Friends to re-introduce controls in one form or another?