§ 61. Sir GIFFORD FOXasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the disproportion this year between the prices for certain fruit obtained by producers and as sold to consumers, he will institute an inquiry into the whole question of the distribution of British fruit?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The fruit marketing problem in general has already been investigated by my Department and the results have been published in the Economic Series of Reports. In the circumstances, I doubt whether any further inquiry is necessary, especially as producers have themselves been studying the problem and have been considering whether their difficulties could be alleviated by organisation.
§ Sir G. FOXIs my right hon. Friend aware that wholesalers are accustomed simply to inform consignees that fruit has been destroyed without giving any information as to how that position was reached; and will he investigate that point?
§ Mr. MORRISONPerhaps my hon. Friend would communicate his information to me and give me an opportunity of going into it.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill my right hon. Friend see that no Fruit Marketing Board is appointed?
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSDoes the Minister of Agriculture know that an apple costs 4d. in the tea room?
§ Mr. MORRISONPerhaps that question ought to be addressed to the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSI thought I would try you first.