§ 54. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his staff have furnished any reports on the reason for the disappearance of tomatoes from the wholesale markets since the control of selling prices became operative; whether he is aware that recognised retailers cannot secure supplies to sell to the consumers; and what action he proposes to take with regard to the unusual increase in direct purchasing of tomatoes from growers by hotel and restaurant caterers?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI know of no evidence to justify the statement that tomatoes have disappeared from wholesale markets since the introduction of the Maximum Prices Order last Sunday. The information in the possession of my Department is that tomatoes have been reaching the markets in considerable quantities but owing to the reduction of price the demand has increased greatly and the arrivals have been cleared quickly. In these circumstances, it may be that certain retailers have been unable to obtain supplies but there should be increasing quantities coming on to the markets in the next few weeks. With regard to the last part of the Question, if my hon. Friend will supply me with any evidence in support of his statement, I shall be glad to have the matter investigated.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that this very morning at 1104 6 o'clock in a London market men were queueing up for over an hour, and that the only supply after this vigil was one 12-lb. box of tomatoes, while in the Lea Valley area, where tomatoes are grown, motor-cars and motor lorries belonging to the black buccaneers were yesterday taking away tomatoes wholesale to other parts of the country; and what action is he going to take?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIf the hon. Member will give me detailed information of such cases, I shall be glad to have them investigated.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that an hon. Member only this morning saw a number of tomatoes on a stall and that the stallholder simply said that he could not have tomatoes unless he also bought a cucumber?
Major Lloyd George"Conditional sales" are an offence. I am sorry the hon. Gentleman has not reported the matter. If he will report it, action will be taken.