HC Deb 18 July 1972 vol 841 cc386-7
19. Mr. John Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of anxieties among producers of Bramley apples that the European Economic Community grading regulations are designed for dessert apples, and consequently the majority of Bramleys will technically be grade III and be prohibited from the market; and if he will take steps to protect the British crop.

Mr. Prior

Whilst I do not accept that under the EEC Regulations the majority of Bramleys would be prohibited from sale I do recognise that the EEC grades make no separate provision for culinary apples and that this could give rise to marketing problems. It is for this reason that we have already told the Commission that problems may arise on Bramleys and we shall want to pursue this matter vigorously after our entry.

Mr. Wells

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Bramley is the finest cooking apple in the world? Since this Question was put on the Order Paper I have been inundated with letters from housewives who are most anxious to be assured that the supply of these apples will continue. I hope that my right hon. Friend will be vigorous when he says "vigorous", because we must have these regulations altered to suit British conditions, and we must not be steamrollered into taking continental produce.

Mr. Prior

The Bramley apple is unique, and its quality is unrivalled in the rest of the world. The conciliatory tone taken by the Council of Ministers last night leads me to think that it will take a similar attitude in future.

Mr. Torney

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless some action is taken with the EEC about the use of Ethoxyqin to cure blight in apples, a chemical which is used for that purpose but which is not allowed to be used under the EEC regulations, we shall not get any apples anyway? What is the right hon. Gentleman going to do about it?

Mr. Prior

I will look carefully at what the hon. Gentleman said and write to him.

Sir R. Cary

We cannot allow the Bramley to be graded III in the EEC. It is the most delicious apple that we grow. I grow a lot of them on my property, and it is marvellous to go out and pick an apple.

Mr. Prior

I am certain that my hon. Friend's Bramley apples are so good that they would not in any case be graded III. If they are delicious I am certain that there will be a market for them, and it is my job to see that there is one.