Major Lloydasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dismay which prevails among British buyers of Dutch bulbs at the news that export of bulbs from Holland to 184W British importers will be administered in Holland, thereby removing freedom of choice from British buyers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo. The administration of the bulb quota has been undertaken by the Netherlands Government at the request of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and in full agreement with the National Farmers' Union and the Bulb Distributors' Association. This method of distributing the quota has been decided upon as the best means of enabling traders to place their orders for autumn bulbs with the least possible delay. A Notice to Importers (No. 499) on the administrative arrangements was issued on 27th May, and I will send a copy to my hon. and gallant Friend.