HC Deb 10 May 1956 vol 552 cc1392-3
7. Mr. B. Harrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity of apples imported into this country for the last quarter of 1955.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

Approximately 18,000 tons of dessert apples, and a roughly equal tonnage of cider apples consigned to registered cider factories.

Mr. Harrison

I thank my right hon. Friend for that information, but is he aware that the estimate for the homegrown apple and pear crop this year is that it will be a record? In view of the marketing difficulties when the imports come in, will my right hon. Friend consider setting up a consultative committee with the growers to give advice about imports of apples?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Imports are restricted on balance of payments grounds, and, therefore, I do not think it would be appropriate to set up a joint committee with the growers.