§ 67. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for War the amount of foreign tinned fruit supplied to His Majesty's Army during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)Requirements of tinned fruits for troops messing are normally purchased by messing officers out of a messing cash allowance, and no information is available as to the amount of tinned fruit of foreign origin included in such purchases. Of the purchases to meet reserve requirements made during the 12 months ended 7th June, 1939, some 8 per cent, were foreign.
§ Mr. DayCan we be assured that the tinned fruit that is purchased for the Army will be obtained within the Empire?
§ Sir V. WarrenderYes. The small percentage of foreign fruit bought for this purpose was due to the fact that there was an insufficient supply of suitable Empire fruit.
Mr. De la BèreWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Evesham fruit growers, who produce the best fruit, shall be considered?