§ Mr. MARRIOTT (by Private Notice)asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in consequence of the Strawberries Order, tons of ripe strawberries are at present rotting on the ground, and the growers refuse to gather them?
§ Mr. CLYNESIt is of vital importance that the utmost possible quantity of fruit should be made into jam. The prices for fruit have been fixed with the concurrence of the Board of Agriculture, with a view to enabling the growers to perform a patriotic duty without loss. They are considerably higher than any recent prices for fruit for jam making. I can hardly believe that the facts are as stated by the hon. Member, but if he will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will see that steps are taken immediately to deal with the situation.
§ Sir FRANCIS LOWEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is entirely the wrong kind of strawberry which is being held up by this Order, and that the largo strawberry is suitable only for eating, and not at all suitable for jam-making?
§ Mr. CLYNESThat is a side of the question as to which we are considering whether anything can be done.
§ Mr. LOUGHDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that the fruit may be all wasted while this consideration is going on, and would it not be worth while to fix prices which, if left to operate, would be likely to prevent this fruit from being condemned to be destroyed?
§ Mr. CLYNESCertainly, if it be true that people will not gather the fruit at a price which is higher than that of last week, and let the fruit go to waste.
§ Mr. ALDENHas the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Board of Agriculture, as there are plenty of men who can give information on this subject?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes; and various agricultural committees in addition.
§ Mr. ALDENIn regard to the fact that there are large quantities of strawberries left ungathered, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Board of Agriculture on that subject?
§ Mr. CLYNESI propose to do that now.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSHas the right hon. Gentleman any information of his own on the question?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn this, as in the case of many other articles, there are very general charges made and rumours circulated, and we desire to locate the beds of strawberries.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that large strawberries remain good for only three or four days, and that before long there will be no large strawberries left?