asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will investigate the extent to which recent increased imports of cut flowers are due to British horticulturists being prevented by import quotas from obtaining sufficient flower bulbs to meet their requirements.

Although official statistics for January are not yet available, there is evidence that recent imports of flowers grown from bulbs of the types included in the quota have not been as large as usual.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is virtually impossible for the small grower to set up a flower-growing enterprise owing to the large sums which have to be paid under the system of buying and selling of quotas? Is he further aware that the National Farmers' Union is strongly in favour of ending this racket in the next three years, and will he do all he can to achieve this object?

I have listened to what my hon. and gallant Friend has said, and I shall listen to any representations made to me, but I have nothing to add to what I have just said.