HC Deb 22 January 1941 vol 368 cc170-1
59. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the acute shortage of oranges at Christmas time; and why, in these circumstances, a ship full of oranges was in British waters for eight days before Christmas and until six days after Christmas before unloading commenced?

Mr. Johnstone

My Noble Friend is aware that oranges were in short supply at Christmas. He is satisfied, however, for reasons which he has already communicated to my hon. Friend in reply to a letter on the same subject, that it would not have been practicable for this cargo to be unloaded in time for the Christmas market.

Sir H. Williams

Can my hon. Friend explain why it was that this ship was in British waters for 13 days without any attempt being made to unload, during which time the whole of the oranges might have been lost?

Mr. Johnstone

My Noble Friend has already explained to my hon. Friend the reason why this ship could not be unloaded. It was not within the power of the Ministry of Food to unload the ship during the time of which my hon. Friend speaks.

Sir H. Williams

In the circumstances will the Minister of Food make representations to the Ministry of Shipping that they should not deprive the people of this country of foodstuffs through the incompetent management of British shipping?

Viscountess Astor

Is there not something more important than oranges?

Captain Strickland

Might not the information on this matter be given to this House? Questions are put down, not with the object that information should be given to individual Members but given to the House, and I should like to know what was in this letter which was sent to my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams).

Mr. Johnstone

My Noble Friend considered that the information should be given in confidence to my hon. Friend. We are not in Secret Session, and therefore the information cannot be given now.

Mr. Thorne

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it a disgrace that a ship should be standing 13 days doing nothing?

Viscountess Astor

Go to the ports and see.

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