HC Deb 15 December 1955 vol 547 cc1386-7
43. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications have been received for the import of dessert apples from North America since his announcement on 14th September; how many have been granted and for what tonnages; how many tons have so far been imported; and how many are due to come in by 31st December, and how many later.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

One thousand and forty-five applications were received and 738 licences were granted for a total value of about £2½ million c.i.f. Fourteen tons were imported in October but subsequent import figures are not available. Not more than about a quarter of the imports may come in before 31st December, the remaining three-quarters being expected in the first half of next year.

Major Legge-Bourke

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for the fullness of that reply, may I ask him if he is aware that growers feel that not enough regard is being taken of increased imports from other European countries, and that there is a great danger in the increasing trend of imports from North America in the light of increased production at home?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am aware of the views of my hon. and gallant Friend upon this subject, but this quota represents less than 15 per cent. of the average imports for 1936–38 from Canada and the United States of America.

53. Mr. Hurd

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give details of the imports of applies received in the past twelve months by separate countries in each case, with comparison of pre-war quantities they sent to the British market.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the Answer:

IMPORTS OF FRESH APPLES INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM
Country of consignment Year ended 31st October, 1955 Average for years 1936 to 1938
cwt. cwt.
Union of South Africa 301,065 56,904
Australia 1,087,707 1,541,141
New Zealand 321,198 354,850
Canada 301,229 2,364,741
Netherlands 137,511 3,886
France 127,741 244,542
Italy 665,486 1,089
United States of America 188,864 1,474,030
All other countries 140,895 16,992
Total 3,271,696 6,058,175