asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider action to limit imports of cut flowers, especially those from Israel, which unfairly disrupt the market for home production.

Restrictions under EEC safeguard arrangements would certainly be considered if serious disruption occurred, but it is in the best interests of all concerned for the sending countries to phase their supplies in consultation with United Kingdom producers and traders and I believe the Israeli authorities are aware of this. The difficulties reported in mid-January have now eased, but officials of my Department are in close touch with the appropriate bodies and continue to watch the situation.