§ Mr. J. Morganasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can state the details of the original proposal to control and fix the price of Tunis dates and the present procedure in regard to the issue of licences for the importation of this fruit; whether he can state the originally intended allocation of importation immediately after 3rd September and the present allocation; and whether, in view of the high dietetic value of dates, which have a natural sugar content of approximately 90 per cent., it is necessary to control importation on the lines now in force?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonNo attempt has been made to control or fix the price of Tunis dates. Imports have, however, been restricted since 12th October with the object of conserving our resources for the purchase of imported commodities of greater importance and necessity, and the matter is under consideration.