HC Deb 25 April 1918 vol 105 cc1112-3
35. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the steamship "Kurmark" arrived in port on 26th January, 1918, with 6,000 tons of dates, which are to be sold to the public at 6d. per lb.; whether they were only distributed to the wholesale dealers on 15th April, 1918; will he say whether they were warehoused for the three months and the usual charges and rent incurred; if so, can he say why there was this delay in allowing the public to have the dates; and will there be a really substantial quantity of the dates imported?

Mr. CLYNES

The facts regarding the arrival and cargo of the steamship "Kurmark" are substantially as stated. The interval between the date of final landing and the issue of releases for the dates by the Ministry of Food was not quite two months. The reason for the delay was that the Ministry, acting in consultation with an advisory committee, elected by the trade, decided to hold up dates and other dried fruits until a sufficient quantity should arrive to ensure an equitable distribution throughout the United Kingdom. The usual charges only were incurred. These dates will be in the retail shops in the course of a few days. It is impossible in present circumstances to say what quantity it will be found possible to import during the coming season.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Are we to understand that another supply of dates besides those in this ship arrived in this country, and that the advisory committee could not get on with the work of saving this expense in less than two months?

Mr. CLYNES

I have already said that the period was not quite two months. Acting on the advice of the advisory committee, an earlier supply having been held up until a larger quantity arrived to ensure an equitable distribution.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is not the present price of dates something like 2s. a pound, and can the hon. Gentleman guarantee that it will be reduced to 6d. a pound?

Mr. CLYNES

That point is not covered by the question I have answered, and I should like notice. I should be glad if there could be a reduction to 6d.