Canary Island Tomatoes

HC Deb 13 February 1946 vol 419 cc104-5W

Mrs. Paton

asked the Minister of Food if he will give his reasons for refusing licences for the importation of tomatoes grown in the Canaries for Britain.

Mr. Touche

asked the Minister of Food why, in view of the need of variety in the national diet, he has refused to reissue licences to importers who wish to bring into this country between 30,000 and 50,000 tons of tomatoes grown in the Canaries especially for this country.

Mr. House

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the gravity of the present national food position and the need to secure the healthiest balance of available food, he will give all encouragement to the importation of fruits and vegetables, and particularly to the reissue of licences to those importers who wish to bring to this country 40,000 tons of tomatoes grown in the Canaries especially for Britain.

Sir B. Smith

In view of the food situation it is my intention to secure all possible supplies of fruit and vegetables from overseas subject to reasonable safeguards. As regards Canary Island tomatoes, I am aware that a majority of the importers are now willing to entertain their importation. My information is that the quantity is substantially less than the quantities mentioned in the Questions. The whole matter is, however, under consideration and I regret that at the moment I am not in a position to add anything further.