§ 75 Mr. RAPERasked the Food Controller whether, seeing that under normal trade conditions dried fruits of the new crop commence arriving here early in September and are distributed to the trade during that month and early in October, lie is aware that in the present year, under the control, not a single package of Government fruits has yet reached the retailer?
Mr. ROBE RTSUnder normal trade conditions the new crop of dried fruits does not reach this country in any appreciable quantity before the end of September. Owing to climatic and labour conditions in the countries of origin it was impossible for the shipment of the new crep to be begun this season until the end of September, and the bulk of the dried fruits purchased did not, therefore, reach this country until the middle of October. Delivery has been further delayed by difficulties of discharge and transport at the docks, but the dried fruits will reach the retailers' shops during the present week. No delay has been occasioned by the fact that importation has been carried out on Government account.
§ 76 Mr. RAPERasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that when the Government announced their intention to re-impose control of dried fruits early in August the Greek market for new season's, currants for autumn delivery was such 1681 that the new currants could be landed in this country at a net duty-paid price of from 80s. to 85s. per cwt.; whether the Ministry purchased as cheaply as 71s. per cwt., and, on the average, at not more than 84s.; and, in this event, why the Ministry's net price to the retailer has been fixed as high as 107s. 5d. per cwt. delivered, and the price to the public at 1s. 2d. per lb.
Mr. ROBERTSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is estimated that the lowest net duty-paid price paid by my Department for Greek currants landed in this country will amount to approximately 74s. per cwt., and that the average price will be 83s. 8d. per cwt., provided that the estimates of landing charges and other expenses are not exceeded. The price of 107s. 6d. per cwt. to the retailer was fixed after careful investigation by the Costings Department of the Ministry, and covers expenses of distribution which include brokerage, primary and secondary wholesalers' margins of profits, draft and carriage. A further allowance is made for the cost of cleaning the currants before they reach the consumer. The retailer's margin of profit on the maximum price of 1s. 2d. per lb. is not more than 2d. per lb., and I do not think that, in all circumstances, this figure is an excessive one.
§ Mr. RAPERIs he aware of the fact that the onus and cost of cleaning the currants, according to the Regulations of his Department, are put upon the wholesaler and not on the retailer, that all the costs to which he refers for primary and secondary brokerage charges amount to only 11s. per cwt., and that this will show over 12 per cent. profit to his Department; furthermore, that the cost to the Department is 9d. per lb. and to the public ls. 2d. per lb., or equal to more than 50 per cent. profit?
Mr. ROBERTSAn allowance is made for the purposes of cleaning, whether carried out by wholesalers or others. I am aware that the profit appears to be excessive, but after full investigation by the Department I do not think we can fix the retail price lower. We might possibly, by incurring a loss, have reduced the price by 1d. per 1b., but I do not think the retailers would benefit, and a loss would have been incurred by the Department.
§ Mr. RAPERDo they require a margin of over 50 per cent. to handle goods before the public receive them?
Mr. ROBERTSI am afraid that this occurs. I can only say that my Costings Department is a very efficient body, and I have to be largely guided by what they tell me in this matter.