§ 55. Mr. STOURTONasked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give information showing the output in the British canning industry to the latest convenient date compared with 1930 and 1931; and the number of men employed in that industry?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)I regret I am unable to supply the information asked for in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. As regards the second part, I have no information as to the number of persons employed in the British Canning Industry as a whole, but it is estimated that approximately 6,000 persons, mainly women, are employed in the home fruit and vegetable canning industry alone.
§ Major ELLIOTI should require notice of that question.
§ 56. Mr. STOURTONasked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of canned fruit and vegetables consumed in this country are canned at home; and if he will take steps to organise on a national basis the cultivation of fruit and vegetables in factory areas, with a view to developing the canning industry, increasing employment, and ensuring the maximum consumption of home-grown produce?
§ Major ELLIOTThe proportion of canned fruit and vegetables consumed in England and Wales which is canned at home was estimated in 1931 to amount to about 26 per cent. If the varieties which cannot be grown in this country are excluded the percentage in 1931 was approximately 75 per cent. for canned 501 fruit and 95 per cent. for canned vegetables. No estimate can at present be given for this year, but it is expected that the proportions of home canned to total consumption will be higher. The question of extending the cultivation of fruit and vegetables suitable for canning is receiving my close attention.