§ 77. Mr. HAYESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the low prices during January and February for oranges imported from Spain into Liverpool and the high prices being charged to consumers; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)Such information as is available goes to show that the fall in wholesale prices of certain cheaper varieties or oranges in Liverpool during January and February was reflected in retail prices.
§ Mr. HAYESIf the information is put before the right hon. Gentleman, showing that this is so, will he refer the matter to the Food Council, in order that some steps may be taken so that the advantage of these periodic gluts may be passed on to the poor children and other consumers?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI would like to see this information—which conflicts with a good many Liverpool figures which my Department has been collecting—before I commit myself to any decision, either on facts or on expectations.