Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Fisheries and Food – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 2 Mawrth 1964.
Mr Albert Hilton
, South West Norfolk
12:00,
2 Mawrth 1964
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the acreage of blackcurrants grown in the years 1955, 1958, and 1963; and what is the estimated acreage for 1964.
Mr James Scott-Hopkins
, North Cornwall
The acreage of blackcurrants grown in England and Wales was as follows:
| 1955 | 10,449 |
| 1958 | 12,347 |
| 1963 | 16,567 |
Mr Albert Hilton
, South West Norfolk
Would the hon. Gentleman agree that this has been for some years now a very useful crop for the growers and a very important crop for the consumers? Is he aware that as a result of the Chancellor's action last year in imposing a 15 per cent. Purchase Tax there have been remarkably dangerous effects on the small growers of blackcurrants? Will he and his right hon. Friend have early discussions with the Chancellor and inform him of the effect his action has had on the blackcurrant growers last year, who are now expecting that this tax will be removed?
Mr James Scott-Hopkins
, North Cornwall
I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor is aware of the position within the industry, as indeed is the hon. Gentleman, and I am sure that he will take note of what has been said on this Question.
Mr Julian Snow
, Lichfield and Tamworth
Can the hon. Gentleman say what volume of blackcurrant juice has been imported? Is he aware that the acreage increase generally reflects the potential of this market in the light of the medical approval of the use of this fruit juice?
Mr James Scott-Hopkins
, North Cornwall
Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question about that, as I have not got the figures available, and I will try to answer it.
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