HL Deb 14 July 1959 vol 217 cc1124-5

2.43 p.m.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether further details can be given regarding the proposal to increase the importation of cream and cheese into the United Kingdom, stating which countries are concerned, the amounts involved and what balance of advantage to the United Kingdom is expected to arise from this proposal.]

THE EARL OF DUNDEE

My Lords, restrictions on imports of cheese and cream from North America, mainly from Canada, and of cream from Western Europe, mainly from Denmark, were removed on 8th June. A significant rise in the value of imports is unlikely as there were previously liberal quotas for these commodities. These controls were removed, along with a great many others, in order to reduce discrimination against imports from Canada and other countries in the dollar area, and as part of our general policy of removing quantitative restrictions as soon as the balance of payments permits.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, in this particular field, is it wise to undermine, even to the slightest extent, the agricultural industry, bearing in mind that it is our primary industry and that its amenity and its economy depend very largely upon the taxpayers' bounty?

THE EARL OF DUNDEE

We decided at Montreal to remove these quantitative restrictions as soon as we possibly could, and one of the objects in taking this step is to increase our trade with Canada, which is of very great importance to our own trade and to the Commonwealth as a whole.