HC Deb 18 June 1953 vol 516 cc1157-8
11. Mrs. Castle

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the import of carrots was stopped on 1st June.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The seasonal prohibition on imports of foreign carrots from 1st June to 31st July, in common with the restrictions on foreign imports of a number of other fresh vegetables during the main home marketing season, is a temporary measure pending a decision on the application made by the National Farmers' Unions for revision of the import duty.

Mrs. Castle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this exclusion has meant that the small supplies of imported carrots, which were cornered before the import stop operated are now on sale at 1s. 9d. a lb. and that this prohibition of imports is not helping the home grower because there is no home crop available at all at this moment and, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, will not be available in any quantity until next month. Is it right that consumers should suffer in this way?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I would agree with the hon. Lady to this extent, that I think that the use of quotas is an extremely blunt and, on the whole, unsatisfactory way of dealing with the question. I am anxious, so far as possible, to get freedom to deal with the tariff position, which is a much more satisfactory way of dealing with the matter.

Mr. Legh

Notwithstanding the fact that there are carrots and carrots, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that any steps which he takes to protect British horticulture will always receive the warmest support from this side of the House?

Mrs. Castle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor in the Labour Government was able to meet this sort of situation by greater flexibility in the operation of the import stop and that it is nonsense for hon. Members opposite to talk about helping home horticulture when there is not a home crop of carrots at the moment and the consumer is suffering without the grower benefiting?

Mr. Thorneycroft

My predecessor as President of the Board of Trade, like myself, moved in these matters in consultation with both the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Food. We assess the matter as best we can not simply for the protection of British horticulture but to deal fairly between producer and consumer.

Mrs. Castle

The right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues have failed.