HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1790-1
73. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that members of allotment associations are being charged 2s. 3d. to 3s. per pound for shallots, the retail price of which was about 9d. in December, 1939, while the price of shallots for food, which are the same as those used for seed, is controlled at 5d. per pound; and whether he will take steps to protect growers against such exactions?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. T. Williams)

Yes, Sir. But shallots for planting are normally imported from Mediterranean countries,, principally Greece. Limited supplies produced in this country are taken from specially selected stock and in view of the extra labour, time and trouble necessary for raising and harvesting, the charging of a price for shallots for planting higher than that of shallots for food is inevitable. Under the provisions of the Onions (Maximum Prices) Order, 1941, which came into force on 13th of this month, shallots may not, however, be sold retail, for any purpose, in excess of 5d. per pound except under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by or on behalf of the Minister of Food. Before issuing such a licence in respect of sales of shallots for planting the Minister of Food will consult with my right hon. Friend and satisfy himself that the price proposed to be charged is not excessive.

Sir P. Hurd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these exorbitant charges are being made for vegetable seeds generally over a wide range? Cannot he do something more effective?

Mr. Williams

I am just as anxious as anyone else to avoid exploiting the voluntary producer in any form, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are taking all the necessary steps to prevent it.

Mr. Stephen

Can my right hon. Friend say where shallots are to be obtained?