HC Deb 03 December 1951 vol 494 cc2016-7
69. Captain J. A. L. Duncan

asked the Minister of Food what tonnage of tinplate he proposes to allocate to the canning industry in 1952.

Major Lloyd George

I am not yet in a position to give any figure.

Captain Duncan

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the anxiety felt by canners in all parts of the country at the present moment and also of the rumours floating around that there is going to be a heavy reduction, which rumours are worrying them very much? Will he make an announcement at the earliest possible moment which will reassure them?

Mr. Nabarro

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a very large part of the fruit crop in Worcestershire and Hertfordshire was wasted last year as a result of the policy of exporting tinplate instead of giving it to our home growers?

Major Lloyd George

Most of the allocation goes to the food industry, not particularly to the fruit industry. My hon. Friend will be aware, of course, that there has been a supply difficulty for some time.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind the necessity, from the growers' point of view, of planning for this coming crop, and for them to know that they will receive a fair share of the canning materials so that they can plan accordingly?

Major Lloyd George

Yes, I will give them information as soon as I can.