HC Deb 02 February 1956 vol 548 cc1063-4
26. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that United States dairy products are being imported into the United Kingdom at prices below those ruling in the world markets and at the expense of imports of Commonwealth dairy products; and what action he is taking.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No, Sir, I am not aware of this. With the exception of cheese no imports of dairy products from the U.S.A. are being authorised at present. Imports of cheese are limited to an annual quota of £1.5 million c.i.f. for North America as a whole. Import licences issued against the quota are not subject to restrictions as to price.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask for an assurance that there is no foundation for the report that Sir Leslie Munro, Her Majesty's New Zealand Ambassador in Washington, made representations to the American Government about the fact that 10,000 tons of United States cheese was being imported into the United Kingdom?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Some United States and Canadian cheese is being imported, but it is in very small quantities compared with our total import arrangements and is under a very strict quota arrangement.