§ 8. Colonel Beamishasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration has been given to the future of United Kingdom apple growers, in view of the trend towards convertibility of sterling and the effect that this would have if uncontrolled imports of Canadian and United States apples were allowed into this country.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)Quantitative restrictions on the import of a number of goods, including apples, are still necessary for balance of payments reasons. I am certainly mindful of the position of the U.K. apple growers, and I would repeat the assurance given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 17th July, 1957, that before the quota restrictions on apples are removed, the interests concerned will be given a full opportunity to discuss what arrangements might then be necessary in the light of the circumstances prevailing at the time.
§ Colonel BeamishWill my right hon. Friend—who I know has very little indeed to learn about apple growing, whatever hat he is wearing—bear in mind that there is genuine and understandable anxiety among apple growers in this country lest any important change be made which would affect them adversely?
§ Mr. HareI am certainly aware of what my hon. and gallant Friend has said, and I will constantly keep this matter in mind.
Mr. T. WilliamsWould the right hon. Gentleman, before conceding anything either to the apple growers or the producers of any other agricultural goods, or 584 before he takes action, examine the question whether or not the producers have a marketing scheme in existence?
§ Mr. HareI always listen to what the right hon. Gentleman says, and I will certainly bear in mind what he has just said.
§ 16. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the concern on the part of apple growers in the United Kingdom as to the possibility of an increase in the importation of apples from Canada and the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareThe combined quota for apples from Europe and North America for the twelve months up to 30th June next is equivalent to the previous annual quotas for Europe and North America, and total imports from these sources will be at about the average of recent years if the quota is fully used.
§ Sir F. MedlicottIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is nearly always the timing of the import which is as important as the quantity? Will he bear that carefully in mind?
§ Mr. HareI shall bear that in mind, and I can assure my hon. Friend that it is already borne in mind.