§ 17. Mr. Hurdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will undertake to consult representatives of the apple-growing industry when international discussions on import policy are held, as he does in the case of the timber industry.
§ 24. Sir F. Medlicottasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the need for close and continuous consultation with those engaged in the growing of apples at home, so that in the timing of imports the fullest regard can be paid to the availability of homegrown produce; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LowOn matters where consultation is appropriate we should consult the apple-growing industry as we consult other industries. But the size of quotas for imports which are imposed to safeguard our balance of payments is not an appropriate subject for consultation with United Kingdom producers. As regards the timing of apple imports, we seek to ensure, by the present arrangements which limit pre-Christmas imports, that the bulk of imports come in when the market needs them most.
In present circumstances, if we were to have under consideration a proposal substantially to increase the total quotas for imported apples from Europe and North America, we should certainly wish to take into account the views of apple growers.
§ Mr. HurdDoes my right hon. Friend realise that that statement will be much welcomed by the apple-growing industry because of the fact, that, in the past, it has often happened, under this Government and previous Governments, that the industry has not been consulted when changes have been proposed in import policy?