§ 112. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the importation of jam in recent months is causing heavy losses to British jam manufacturers which will result in the closing down of some factories; and what steps he proposes to take to stop unfair competition from countries where sugar is not subject to a surcharge as levied on British manufacturers.
§ Mr. WebbI have no evidence that the United Kingdom jam industry is at present suffering heavy losses, but I am aware that sales have declined in recent months from the high levels of the war and post-war period. I am. however, considering representations which have been made to me on this matter by the Food Manufacturers' Federation
§ 113. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the 63W result of lifting the ban on imported fruit pulp as from 1st June, 1950, is that jam manufacturers are being offered pulp at prices which represent about one-half of the cost of the price paid for fruit last season; and whether, since large stocks of fruit pulp are held by jam manufacturers, he will take steps to stop this importation until at least it can be seen what fruit prospects are for this season.
§ Mr. WebbThe change to take place on 1st June is that my Department will cease to be the sole importer of fruit pulps and these will then be brought in by private traders. I see no justification for stopping imports of this commodity.