§ 59. Mr. Lawasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that United States asparagus has been on sale in the shops during the past fortnight when abundant supplies will shortly be available from France and this country; and if he will take the necessary steps to prevent the import of such unnecessary luxuries which are using up our rapidly diminishing United States Loan.
§ Mr. StracheyI am aware of this, but the quantity imported from the United States is extremely small—it amounts to under £200 worth up to 19th April which is the latest date I have. As the home supplies and those from the Continent increase I doubt whether it will pay to bring any asparagus across the Atlantic. Where import restrictions are concerned, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer told the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. Baker White) on 6th May, we must respect Article 9 of the Anglo-American loan agreement.