HC Deb 14 August 1940 vol 364 cc782-4
54. Major Milner

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the acres of cabbages ploughed up in Essex; and whether any steps are being taken to buy up and distribute, or otherwise deal with, surpluses of perishable vegetables and fruit?

Mr. Boothby

I am aware that, not only in Essex but in many other parts of the country, the yield of certain perishable green vegetables including cabbages, has at times been greatly in excess of market requirements. It would not be practicable, and it would undoubtedly be very costly, to take steps such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, to deal with this surplus produce. In the case of fruit, no surplus difficulties arose during the soft fruit season, except in regard to the produce of private gardens, as to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers) on 3rd July. Although some temporary difficulties have occurred in certain districts in the case of early varieties of plums, due mainly to the premature ripening brought on by the fine weather during the past fortnight, there appears to be no ground for apprehending any considerable wastage.

Major Milner

Do I understand the Minister to say that these surpluses cannot be used in some way? Can they not be used for the troops, who, I am told, are lacking in fresh vegetables, or can they not be distributed free to the poor?

Mr. Boothby

We are in contact with the War Office. My right hon. Friend announced yesterday that fresh vegetables are now to be served to the troops on five days a week. Every possible step is being taken in the Ministry to prevent wastage.

Sir F. Fremantle

Is it not the case that, in country districts, there are many places where people can and do grow vegetables and distribute them? This is a question of distribution.

Sir Percy Harris

Will the Minister consider stopping the sale of tinned fruit and vegetables, because in spring and summer there are large supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables to be disposed of?

Mr. Boothby

I do not think it would be advisable to make an order, but we have issued a recommendation to the public not to eat tinned fruits and vegetables.

Mr. de Rothschild

Have several agricultural committees complained about this matter, and have they sent their complaint to the Minister of Agriculture?

Mr. Boothby

We must deal with each complaint upon its merits.

Mr. de Rothschild

Were not these complaints addressed to him through the Ministry of Agriculture?

Mr. Boothby

We are getting into touch with the Ministry of Agriculture. We are well aware of the position.

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