§ 31. Mr. SWANasked the Food Controller if he is aware that vegetables are going to rot in fields within twenty miles of London; if he is aware that it is a waste of both labour and produce; if he will take steps to prevent such waste by taking over by the Government such produce and retail such vegetables to the consumer in London and utilise some of the Government lorries to convey the same to the markets; and if he will also take similar steps to procure fruit and retail it, which to-day is being sold from l½d. to 4d. per 1b. (apples), retailed at 9d. per lb., plums 1d. and 2½d., sold by retailer at 10d. and 1s. per lb.?
The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Roberts)Rumours of this description are constantly reaching my Department, but in the majority of cases they are found to be wholly or mainly untrustworthy. If my hon. Friend has any definite information in his possession and will convey it to me, I will cause the promptest inquiries to be made. I may add that apples are now being sold at from 3d. to 5d. per lb., and plums at from 4d. to 8d., and I do not propose to take over the crops as suggested by the hon. Member.