§ 77 Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the high prices charged by some retailers in London during last week for green vegetables; and can he take any steps in order to prevent this in future?
§ 78 Sir ARTHUR FELLasked if any steps are being taken to check the prices charged for vegetables beyond the prices obtaining in Covent Garden; and if he is aware that for the same quantity of rhubarb 3d. was charged at Covent Garden and Is. 3d. at shops in the suburbs?
§ Mr. CLYNESCareful investigation is being made into the prices charged for green vegetables and fruit in the markets and in retail shops. So far as rhubarb is concerned, the lack of gooseberries in the market has inevitably tended to harden prices. In comparing retail prices with wholesale prices it is essential to make sure that the quality of the fruit or vegetables sold is the same in each case. I shall be glad to make special inquiries in any specific case about which hon. Members will give me information, and I am considering what action, if any, can usefully be taken.