HC Deb 02 March 1966 vol 725 cc1293-5
46. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes, respectively, consumed in the United Kingdom in the years 1963–64 and 1964–65, respectively, was imported; and whether he is satisfied with the position of the home producer.

Mr. Hoy

As the answer to the first part of the Question contains a number is he aware that many of them still experience great difficulties? What proposals has he for dealing with these?

Mr. Hoy

The hon. Gentleman does not specify the difficulties. In fact, applications are so numerous that they show that the growers obviously appreciate what is being done for them.

Following are the details:

of figures, I shall, with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I would, of course, like to see the British grower getting a bigger share of the market. To this end, we are offering substantial financial aid to the industry intended to bring both production and marketing to a higher state of competitive efficiency.

Mr. Blaker

Is not one of the problems the fact that speculative shipments from such places as the Canaries are sent here for sale on commission at whatever price they will fetch? Is not there some means by which such shipments could be controlled?

Mr. Hoy

I have no knowledge of that. There are protective tariffs on cucumbers and tomatoes during the home season, and on lettuces during the whole year. It is in this way that we seek to protect the home industry.

Mr. John Wells

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there has been a serious decline in the home trade, particularly in cucumbers owing to imports from the Canary Islands and elsewhere? Will he look seriously at the question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker)?

Mr. Hoy

I say again that there is a considerable competition from imported cucumbers, particularly Dutch, during the home season. Canary Islands cucumbers are imported in significant quantities at the beginning and end of the home season. This is what we are all trying to correct.

Following are the details:

IMPORTS OF LETTUCE, CUCUMBERS AND TOMATOES
Commodity Year Imports* as a percentage of total supplies available during home season†
Lettuce 1963 5
1964 7
1965 7
Cucumbers 1963 23
1964 28
1965 27
Tomatoes 1963 62
1964 60
1965 62
* Including imports from the Channel Islands.
† The home-season varies from year to year. For the purpose of this table, it has been taken to be 1st February to 30th November for lettuce, 1st April to 30th September for cucumbers and 1st May to 31st October for tomatoes.