§ Sir P. Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the assurances received from the wholesale fruit trade that, while it is ready to assist in every way restrictive measures on imports, it is already, from past experience in the war, apprehensive that further arbitrary regulations without adequate notice or consultation as to procedure will be announced; and what steps he proposes to allay these apprehensions?
Colonel A. Evansasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it is the official opinion of the fruit and vegetable trade that the restriction orders affecting the articles they handle are having, and will have, the effect of causing the maximum inconvenience and loss to the industry as a whole without any corresponding public benefit; and whether before introducing further restrictions, he will consult importers with the object of diminishing such results?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Moss Side (Mr. Duckworth) on 21st November, of which I am sending them copies.
§ Mr. Jacksonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether to facilitate the supply of fruit and vegetables for the public, any restrictions are contemplated in regard to the orange trade with Spain and Palestine, the Spanish onion season, and products of the Egyptian season?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI understand that representations have been made to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster suggesting that for the purpose of regulating supplies and of making the largest possible supply available at reasonable prices, oranges should be included among the goods subject to control by import licence and that these representations are under consideration. I am not aware of any suggestion for a restriction on the import of onions.