Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Food the total amount and value of tomatoes and tomato juice, respectively, imported into this country during 1951; and how he expects that these amounts will compare with imports during 1952.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeImports during 1951 were:
Tons £(c.i.f.) Fresh Tomattoes 188,100 20,419,500 Canned Tomattoes 77,021 7,740,920 Tomato Juice 1,831 126,344 As these commodities are imported by the private trade, I am unable to give an estimate of the quantities likely to arrive during 1952. Imports of canned tomatoes and tomato juice will be less than in 1951 because of the import cuts which have had to be made for balance of payments reasons. Similar cuts have not been imposed on fresh tomatoes though as my hon. Friend knows imports are restricted during the main season of home production.
70WApril, 1952, issue will be available very shortly.