§ 71. Mr. BRUNNERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Government requisitioned all new imports of beans five weeks ago; if so, whether they have yet fixed the prices for the beans so requisitioned; 1938 if not, will he say how long it will be before this is done; whether meantime some shipments have been blocking the quays for weeks, thereby restricting the available space for the handling of other cargo; whether he will take steps to make beans available in the market during May and June when green vegetables are scarce; and whether he is aware that the present uncertainty and delay check further supplies, and that consequently supplies intended for this country have been diverted to New York and other destinations?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe imports of beans were taken over on the 16th May and retail prices were fixed on the 29th May. I am not aware that any shipments have been blocking the quays, but it is possible, owing to the difficult labour and other conditions now prevailing, that some unavoidable delay may have taken place. There should be plenty of beans on the market for the remainder of the present month There is no reason to believe that further supplies have been checked or that beans intended for this country have been diverted elsewhere.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether when he tells the House that the retail prices of beans have been fixed he has fixed the wholesale price for the beans he has requisitioned?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI cannot say without notice.