§ Mr. Wiseasked the Minister of Food what tonnage of Dutch strawberry pulp was imported by merchants during 1950; and if the weight of such pulp to be imported this season is likely to be greater or smaller.
§ Mr. WebbAccording to my Department's information about 5,700 tons of Dutch strawberry pulp were imported by246W merchants last year. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Mr. P. Wells) on 8th May last, fruit pulp is imported by the private trade and I cannot therefore estimate the quantity of strawberry pulp likely to be imported this season.
§ Mr. Wiseasked the Minister of Food if he is satisfied that home producers will find a market and receive fair prices for the strawberry crop this season; and if he will give an assurance that he will safeguard their interests by arranging for the restriction of the importation of Dutch strawberry pulp accordingly at any time it becomes necessary.
§ Mr. WebbI have no reason at present to think that home growers will not get fair prices for their strawberries. Unsweetened strawberry pulp is imported by the private trade under open general licence from Holland and other sources, and I am unable to give the assurance requested by my hon. Friend.