§ 48. Sir W. Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food on what date the price of the plum crop was fixed; and why it is not made public?
§ Mr. MabaneAn Order fixing maximum prices for plums is now in course of preparation and will be issued in the course of a few days. The discussion of prices with growers was undertaken as soon as an estimate could be made of the yield of the crops. It would not have been of use to enter into discussions earlier.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the Question? At what date was the price fixed, and why is it not made public so as to enable 769 growers to make the necessary arrangements for picking and distributing the crop?
§ Mr. MabaneThe price is not fixed until the Order is made.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs it not a fact that the price has already been fixed?
§ Mr. MabaneIt is a fact that discussions have been undertaken with representatives of the growers and agreement has been reached, but the price is not finally fixed—for new considerations might arise at any moment—until the Order is signed and issued.
§ Sir William DavisonWhat has happened to the strawberry crop? They cannot be obtained.