HC Deb 27 October 1955 vol 545 cc363-4
29. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of apples and canned salmon have so far been imported from British Columbia during 1955; and what further quantities he anticipates will be imported during the next six months.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Imports from British Columbia are not separately distinguished in the Trade Returns. In the period January to September, 1955, apples to a value of about £720,000 f.o.b. and canned salmon to a value of about £740,000 f.o.b. were imported from Canada. Quotas now established for the period ending June, 1956, will allow imports of apples from Canada to a value of £990,000 f.o.b. and of canned salmon from Canada and the U.S.A. together to a value of £3 million f.o.b.

Mr. Johnson

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the recently announced increase in the import quota of canned salmon from Japan will in no way prejudice trade in this commodity with Canada?

Mr. Thorneycroft

It will not prejudice it.

Mr. Dodds

Whether the quota of canned salmon is increased or not, will the Government do something about the present black market in canned salmon? If nothing is done it will continue, and it is disgraceful.

Mr. Thorneycroft

That raises a rather different question.