§ 15. Mr. Collinsasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received in respect of an increase in the duty on imported tomatoes.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganTwo applications for increases in the import duties on fresh tomatoes have been accepted for examination, one relating to the month of May and the other to the 332 period mid-June to the end of October. There are many interested parties all of whose representations should and will receive full consideration.
§ Mr. CollinsIn considering this matter, will the Minister bear particularly in mind that the duty of 4d. a lb. becomes 6d. a lb. in the shops, that it is a considerable protection to the home producer and that any further increase in duty would be a totally unjustifiable increase in the cost of living?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThere have been representations from nine different bodies and I have no doubt that these views were expressed amongst them.
§ Sir J. DuncanWill my hon. Friend take steps to take a decision speedily on this matter, in view of the fact that the application is in respect of next month?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganMy hon. Friend probably understands that this application for duty is not just in relation to the month of May, 1958, but is in relation to all months of May in all subsequent years, and needs considerable consideration.