§ 59. Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether Mr. J. M. Hodge, solicitor, of Blairgowrie, has been appointed sole buyers' agent for fruit for the whole of Scotland; whether, acting in this capacity, he prevailed upon local fruit associations to accept 10s. instead of 15s. per ton of fruit in order that he might allow commission at the same rate to other fruit salesmen; whether afterwards he refused to pay such 10s. commission to such salesmen or to some of them; and, if so, will he take action in order that the reputation of the Government may not be prejudiced and fruit salesmen be injured by such dealings?
§ Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)No, Sir. The Ministry of Food are not purchasing fruit in Scotland, and consequently no buyer has been appointed.