§ 20. Mr. Alportasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the quota for the import of spring flower bulbs for the 1953–54 season has now been agreed, in view of the fact that growers must complete their contracts at an early date.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe arrangements for the import of flower bulbs for the year July, 1953, to June, 1954, are still under consideration, and I shall make an announcement as soon as I can.
§ Mr. AlportIs my right hon. Friend aware of the serious inconvenience and cost to growers if at a later date the total quota is below that expected, which means they must re-negotiate their contracts? Will he hasten an announcement of the quota this year?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI will announce the quota as soon as I can, but discussions with the Dutch on trade for 1953 are not quite complete.
§ Mr. T. BrownMay I stress the real urgency and importance of this matter, because already people are asking if they can put out quotations for flower bulbs for planting next spring or this autumn? It is very important that flower growers should understand what they may expect at a very early date.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the great importance of this industry, in view of the new developments in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, when making his decision?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI shall certainly bear these matters in mind.