§ 23. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the President of the Board of Trade, in connection with his decision to permit the flower bulb quotas for 1959–60 to be increased from £3,445,000 to £3,745,000, to what extent the additional amount will be made available to those who have not previously been able to obtain a quota and who have had to pay a premium to obtain their requirements from their more fortunate competitors in this country.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe present quotas are shared among 7,000 importers. The allocation of the additional amounts will be decided after consultation with the trade interests concerned, which will take place shortly.
§ Lieut. -Colonel Bromley-DavenportWill my right hon. Friend ensure that all those who at present enjoy the Dutch quota "racket" are excluded from this increase, while wholesalers who are at present outside the "racket" shall have a chance to have a part of it? Further, in support of the National Farmers' Union, will my right hon. Friend try to end this quota system over the next three years?
§ Sir D. EcclesI dislike the quota system very much myself, but, unfortunately, it has to continue a little longer. We are about to consult the trade, and I hope that we shall make a fair arrangement.
§ Mr. H. HyndWill the President of the Board of Trade ensure that there will be a fair allocation of these bulbs sent to places like Bromley and Davenport?