HC Deb 18 July 1957 vol 573 cc1335-6
42. Mr. Baldwin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the unfavourable balance of trade with the Argentine, and in view of our economic position generally, he will limit the importation of fruit and vegetables, since all necessary supplies can be obtained from home agriculture.

Sir D. Eccles

Most of the fruit and vegetables imported from Argentina are apples and pears which arrive here after the main home marketing season. Their import is already limited by a quota.

Mr. Baldwin

is my right hon. Friend aware that there is now no season for English apples is view of the immense number of apples which are gas stored and available during the whole of the twelve months? As we can grow these apples, is it necessary to import others?

Sir D. Eccles

I am inclined to agree that seasons do not matter as much as they did, and we will take that into consideration.

Mr. Beswick

When taking into consideration the question of limiting the imports of this fruit, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that at present the price of apples is quite outside the range of the ordinary housewife? In the tea room of the House of Commons, for example, small apples are being sold at 8d. each. In these circumstances, ought not he to allow some of this produce to come in from overseas?

Sir D. Eccles

We give very considerable quotas for eating apples. I imagine that this is a particularly difficult moment in the year, season or no season.

Mr. Baldwin

If there is any shortage world mentioned by the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr.Beswick), we shall be only too pleased to supply it, if he will let us know his requirements.

43. Mr. Baldwin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that horticultural products are not taken into account at the Annual Farm Price Review and therefore do not qualify for guaranteed prices, he will increase the present tariff in order to give protection against subsidised foreign imports whether subsidised directly or indirectly.

Sir D. Eccles

If the horticultural industry feels there is a case for increased tariffs it can apply for them.

Mr. Baldwin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since there was an increase of tariffs, horticulture has had to stand one or two increases in wages, together with increases in the price of coal, and that the industry gets no protection from the Annual Price Review such as is afforded to other products? Does he not think that horticulture, which is an important industry, should have more protection?

Sir D. Eccles

It is open to the industry to make a case for a particular product and that case will then be examined on its merits.