HC Deb 29 July 1958 vol 592 cc111-2W
83 and 86. Mr. Snow

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, in view of the fact that the Dutch bulb imports into this country are subject to a 10 per cent. duty and that producers in Holland are prepared to continue the imposition of a minimum export price in order to protect British producers against dumping, he will take steps to review the matter at any early date, with a view to ending the present import quota system as soon as suitable conditions have been agreed by all concerned;

(2) whether he is aware that one of the consequences of the present quota imposed on the total value of Dutch flower bulbs which may be imported annually into this country is that the gardening public and flower growers in Great Britain are deprived of many of the newer, more beautiful and expensive varieties; and whether he will take steps to improve these arrangements at an early date.

87. Mr. Awbery

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the quota imports of Dutch bulbs are not sufficient to meet the demand, with the result that prices are forced up; and, as there is no longer any need for the restrictions of the kind in operation, and in view of the fact that the present imports are below pre-war level, if he will now take steps to abolish these quota restrictions.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I am aware that there are disadvantages inherent in any system of import control, but these like other quota restrictions are being continued for balance of payments reasons. It is our intention to remove them as soon as circumstances permit.

84. Mr. Snow

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present basis for allocating the quota of imported flower bulbs to growers and distributors in Great Britain; and what steps are taken to prevent any of the bulb quota being left at the disposal of persons who do not require the bulbs for growing or distribution themselves and who, in consequence, are in a position to sell their quota at a substantial profit.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Allocations are, in general, related to imports in 1951 and 1952 when there were no restrictions. It would not be practicable to control the way in which distributors and others sell the bulbs which they are authorised to import.