HC Deb 19 July 1960 vol 627 cc233-4
24. Mr. Bullard

asked the President of the Board of Trade what increase there has been in the quantity of frozen peas imported from the United States of America since the lifting of the restrictions On imports from dollar countries, up to the most recent convenient date.

Mr. Maudling

The restriction on these imports from the dollar area was lifted on 8th June, 1959, but figures are not available prior to 1960. Imports from the U.S.A. during the period January-May, 1960, were 40,648 cwts.

Mr. Bullard

It seems that this must be an increase almost from nil, because I imagine that previously it was very small. Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that this industry of the freezing and processing of vegetables is a very important one for employment both on the farms and in the towns, particularly in eastern England, and will he look again at the case for tariff change in connection with these imports, having rejected the case put forward last year?

Mr. Maudling

An application for an increased import duty was rejected in March this year. If since March there has been a change in the situation extensive enough to make a marked change in it, certainly we will look at a renewed application.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that over the post-war years East Anglia has been responsible for the production of a very considerable tonnage of peas, some of which have been dried and sold as frozen vegetables, and that the policy of the Government seems to be interpreted in the area as one of squeezing out the home producers? Will he please stop that?

Mr. Maudling

I think that would be a bad interpretation. I will certainly bear in mind the interests of East Anglia. I know that if I did not even for a moment my hon. and gallant Friend would see that I did.

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