§ Mr. Freudasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current level of imports of Dutch chrysanthemums; and what were the corresponding figures for the last three years.
§ Mr. WigginThe most recent figures available show that 993 tonnes of cut chrysanthemums were imported from Holland in 1980.
The corresponding figures for earlier years are not separately identifiable in the Overseas Trade Accounts.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what grounds he lifted the ban on imports of Dutch chrysanthemums; what representations he has had from British producers in respect of his decision; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WigginSince 19 January the import of Dutch chrysanthemums has been permitted under licence to enable us to monitor the effectiveness of new plant health controls introduced by the Dutch authorities. Under these arrangements exports to this country are now limited to produce from nurseries found to be free from white rust and liriomyza trifolii. Further special measures apply at the Dutch auction markets, and pre-export inspections have been intensified.
The practical workings of these new arrangements have been studied by MAFF plant health inspectors stationed in the Netherlands for that purpose. In the light of their reports, working experience of the regime and assurances by the Dutch authorities that they intend to maintain it, my right hon. Friend has now concluded that imports should be allowed to continue.
We received some representations from the National Farmers Union concerning the resumption of imports under licence. My right hon. Friend discussed these personally with the president of the NFU and is satisfied that the union is fully conversant with the reasons for the action that was taken.