HC Deb 02 December 1965 vol 721 cc1627-8
35. Sir H. Harrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will reduce the quota for the import of apples and pears in December, January, and February, and give an equivalent increase in March, April, and May.

16. Mr. Brian Harrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take to limit imports of apples to ensure that the home producer has a fair and reasonable opportunity to compete in the pre-Christmas market.

Mr. Jay

I would refer the hon. Members to the Answer my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Prior) on 25th November.

Sir H. Harrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the producing of apples and pears is a very long-term process, and that many producers are now getting a very small return and that if they do not get help they may opt out, so that housewives will be at the mercy of the foreign exporters?

Mr. Jay

I am aware of that, but we do not see a case at present for increasing the severity of these restrictions on imports.