§ Sir T. INSKIPasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that large quantities of foreign strawberry pulp are being or about to be imported; and, seeing that similar importations last year were of inferior quality and in view of the competition of this foreign pulp with Hampshire strawberries, whether he will take steps to stop or control this importation?
§ Dr. ADDISONAlthough the trade returns do not separately distinguish foreign fruit pulp, I am aware that consignments of this commodity are now arriving in this country. I have no reason, however, to anticipate that importation will be abnormal during the present season. As regards the last part of the question, except for the protection of our own crops from disease, I have no power to stop these importations, but apart from the assistance which it is hoped to give to fruit growers under the Agricultural Marketing Bill and the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Amendment Bill, I am considering other means for improving the market for strawberries and other British fruits.