HC Deb 15 June 1954 vol 528 cc1722-3
31. Mr. Dudley Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade what information he has to indicate to what extent it will be possible for the West Indian Colonial Territories to supply this country with oranges and grapefruit during the current year, between 1st April and 30th September, in substitution for the proposed imports of such fruit from the United States of America which are now being held up by his Department as a result of protests from colonial growers of citrus fruit.

Mr. Amory

The United Kingdom's total imports of oranges and grapefruit are below their pre-war level, although these fruits are admitted freely from the British West Indies under open general licence. As to imports from the United States of America, coming under the Mutual Security Act, the necessary import licences have been issued and imports are taking place.

32. Mr. Dudley Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent Colonial Territories have supplied oranges and grapefruit to this country during the period 1st April to 30th September in each of the last four years.

Mr. Amory

Since the answer contains a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

IMPORTS OF ORANGES AND GRAPEFRUIT
April to September April to September
1950 1951 1952 1953 1950 1951 1952 1953
cwts. cwts. cwts. cwts. £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Grapefruit:
Fresh or raw:
Colonial territories … 33,524 2,908 — 56,375 74 2 — 97
Total World 301,910 397,404 245,991 437,710 828 1,272 938 1,203
Preserved:
Colonial territories … — 18,058 18,544 7,845 — 67 88 41
Total World 3,442 18,058 22,574 10,462 11 67 114 44
Oranges:
Fresh or raw:
Colonial territories … 4,691 184 41,547 23,304 13 1 119 58
Total World 2,424,943 3,104,062 2,542,913 3,194,267 7,076 8,141 7,581 7,388
Preserved:
Colonial territories … 255 4,584 16 0 1 24 0 0
Total World 22,062 130,074 53,701 2,836 123 805 337 13