§ 6. Mr. Bullardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to prevent the home-grown acreage of dried, threshed peas from falling below its present level, following the rejection of the application for a higher import duty on such peas.
§ Mr. SoamesThere has been a marked change in the market prospects in recent years for dried peas compared with vining peas. This I would expect to be reflected in the acreages grown, and I think it would be a mistake for me to interfere with this process.
§ Mr. BullardDo I gather from that reply that the Minister sees an improving market for home-grown fresh peas in future? Was that the purport of his Answer?
§ Mr. SoamesWhat I said was Chat there has been a marked change in the market prospects for dried peas compared with vining peas. This has reflected itself in the number of peas grown for vining.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeWhile I appreciate that there has been a marked change in the demand, may I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind that apparently quite a few counties are affected by this and that the growing of these peas has been particularly important in relation to resistance to eelworm through over-cropping of such crops as potatoes and sugar-beet? Can my right hon. Friend explain how the Board of Trade can justify this importation on the grounds of national interest?
§ Mr. SoamesThe main competition comes from the United States in the shape of the Alaska pea which, on account of its various qualities, is easier to process and suits the British public's taste. This pea cannot be grown at the moment in this country, but it is the type of pea required for canning. I cannot see what advantage there would be in raising the tariff on these peas, because the only effect that would have would be to put up the price to the consumer without benefit to the grower.