HC Deb 24 November 1953 vol 521 cc190-2
51. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the decision of the United States Government to give a subsidy on fruit imported into Britain; what steps are being taken to protect the home producer from this form of competition; and whether Her Majesty's Government will investigate the possibilities of bulk purchase of any surplus of horticultural commodities from abroad which may be in short supply here.

Mr. Amory

As my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food stated in a Press notice on 23rd October, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, we have made a bulk purchase of United States raisins. No arrangements are at present contemplated for the import of any other subsidised fruits from the United States. As regards the last part of the Question, the hon. Member will be aware that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to return the import of commodities to private hands as soon as possible.

Mr. Davies

Whilst thanking the Minister for that answer and noting that the Government have reverted to bulk purchase, may I ask whether, when they were discussing the question of a dollar subsidy per box of American pears, the matter was discussed with the Commonwealth Fruit Council, who denounced this method of selling? Will he protect our horticulturists from a recrudescence of dumping?

Mr. Amory

I should like to assure the hon. Member that every deal of this kind is considered very carefully from every possible angle.

Mr. Gaitskell

Can the right hon. Member say how much the subsidy was in this case and whether it will be passed on to consumers in this country or retained by the Treasury?

Mr. Amory

I am afraid I am unable to answer either of those two questions without notice.

Commander Donaldson

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that if fruits are imported from the American Continent prior consideration will be given to Canadian products as against those of the United States of America?

Mr. Amory

We are taking all the raisins that are on offer from the Commonwealth.

Mr. Gaitskell

Am I to understand from the answer to my previous question that the Government have not made up their mind, or that the right hon. Gentleman does not know?

Mr. Amory

I think the answer is as I expressed it, that I am unable to answer those two questions without notice.

Mr. Davies

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell the House frankly whether or not his Department knows that pears, according to the growers, are being imported into this country at a subsidy of a dollar a box?

Mr. Amory

If the hon. Member will put down a Question on that rather separate subject, I shall do my best to answer it.