HC Deb 26 November 1969 vol 792 cc399-400
8. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board or Trade what value of apples have been imported into Great Britain during the 12 months ended 31st October or the latest convenient date: and what contribution to the policy of imports substitution has been made by British apple growers in the period stated.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Information on imports of apples for the twelve months ending 30th September, 1969, may be derived from the issues of the Overseas Trade Accounts for December, 1968 and September, 1969 (page 19). October figures are not yet available. As imports of apples which compete with the domestic crop have for many years been subject to quota restrictions, any increase in consumer demand during the home marketing season is met by domestic supplies.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is it not the fact that the Board of Trade controls all imports of apples into the United Kingdom from foreign as well as Commonwealth sources, and that this year larger supplies have been brought in than ever before, at a time when our own crops are the biggest in history? Is the hon. Lady aware that thousands of tons of apples now lie unsold in Britain? Does that not represent a huge wastage of our national resources?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree with me that British apples are among the best in the world. We must consider the consumer in this matter. My hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has pointed out that the home crop is 18 times greater than the quota we import from other countries. I think British apples are the best.

Mr. William Hamilton

What representations has my hon. Friend had from consumers or consumers' associations for the price of apples to be put up?

Mrs. Dunwoody

Not surprisingly, none. It is a bit wearing when hon. Gentlemen opposite run campaigns which emphasise how difficult the matter is but do not protect the consumers' interests.