§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food why he has decided to extend the date for the importation of cauliflower and broccoli from France and French North Africa until 31st March; why the extension does not apply to Italian cauliflower and broccoli; and, in view of the losses and waste incurred by growers 149W owing to imports of onions, what steps he is taking to safeguard the interests of the cauliflower and broccoli growers in Cornwall, Kent and elsewhere.
§ Mr. StracheyThe date for imports of French cauliflower has been extended because small supplies are available in France and these may assist in keeping prices at a reasonable level. The season for Italian cauliflower has nearly finished, but even were this not so balance of payments considerations would I regret rule out further imports from that source for the time being. As regards the last part of the Question, in view of the wholesale prices for English cauliflowers, I do not agree with the interests of the growers are in the least being sacrificed.