§ 42 and 43. Mr. Braineasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give details of the specific quotas to be allotted for the purchase of fresh, dried, 1583 and canned fruits from the United States of America under the recent agreement to import some $20 million worth of such foodstuffs; and
(2) what representations he has received from Commonwealth Governments or producer interests in respect of the recent agreement to import some $20 million worth of fruit into the United Kingdom, having regard to the fact that Commonwealth supplies of certain fruits are likely to be in excess of the demand from the British market; what answers have been given; and what decisions have been made.
§ Sir D. EcclesWe are in close and confidential communication with the Commonwealth Governments on this matter. I hope to publish the specific quotas in about a week's time.
§ Mr. BraineIn view of the fact that Commonwealth producers can supply most of the needs of this country, but not all, can my right hon. Friend say whether this has been taken into account in fixing the quotas? He will be aware that there is some doubt and misapprehension among Commonwealth producers on this score.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe Commonwealth Governments have, on the whole, welcomed this change, which is, I think, better than receiving the fruit under aid, and we do take into consideration, as my hon. Friend knows, the interests of the producers themselves.