§ Lieut.-Colonel Bolesasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that many farmers in Somerset are unable to dispose of their present cider stocks owing to the Government's policy of importing syrup and cider apples from abroad; what quantities of syrup and apples for the manufacture of cider it is proposed to import from abroad this year; and whether he will give an assurance that these imports will not be sufficient in quantity to prejudice the interests of the British growers of cider apples.
§ Mr. StracheyI am not aware that there are any difficulties in the disposal of stocks. Farmers' stocks are very small; but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I will gladly look into it. Syrup is not imported for cider making but during the last two years cider makers have reverted to their pre-war practice of importing both cider apples and concentrated apple or pear juice. The cider maker prefers the home-grown cider apple, but when the crop is small he supplements the supply by importing cider apples and, in a much smaller degree, concentrated juice. He can then maintain his production of cider and, with it the demand for home-grown ordinary cull apples for use in cider manufacture. The import of these products does not therefore prejudice the British grower of cider apples, but is of assistance to the growers of other varieties. The quantity of cider apples and concentrated juice to be imported during the coming season will depend upon the cider apple crop in this country, and the availability of cider apples and juice abroad