HC Deb 14 July 1953 vol 517 cc1882-3
20. Mr. P. Wells

asked the President of the Board of Trade which countries are exporting subsidised horticultural produce to this country.

Mr. Mackeson

As far as I am aware, the only directly subsidised horticultural products that are imported into the United Kingdom in any substantial quantities are citrus fruit from Israel and dried fruit from the United States and Greece. The use of multiple exchange rates and various forms of export incentives by a number of countries which export horticultural produce to the United Kingdom may, however, in some cases constitute an indirect subsidisation of exports.

Mr. Wells

Will the Minister take all possible steps to see that these exports, which are indirectly subsidised, do not compete unfairly with home products?

Mr. Mackeson

Yes, certainly, but, broadly speaking, as far as our information is concerned the subsidised exports are not in direct competition with our own producers. If the hon. Gentleman, or any other hon. Member, has any information which will help us in our fight to stop this subsidisation, I shall be glad to have it.