HC Deb 30 July 1942 vol 382 c689
53. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the confidential circulars, copies of which have been sent to him, issued by an organisation styled the Horticultural Trades Association, which controls the main supplies of fruit trees for all the growers, nurserymen and smallholders, advising the trade to raise the 1942–43 prices for apple, plum and other fruit trees by increases varying from 20 to 80 per cent. and, as this affects the cost of production, what steps he is taking to control the price of trees for the protection of the growers?

Mr. Hudson

I have examined the circulars, and I propose to invite representatives of the Horticultural Trades Association to discuss prices of fruit trees with my Department.

Mr. Walkden

Will my right hon. Friend when meeting the Association tell them in equally strong terms, as they have strongly advised their members to put up prices, that the shortage and scarcity of supplies are not justifiable reasons for increasing costs of production in wartime?

Mr. Hudson

We had better wait and see what they have to say.

Mr. De la Bère

Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter very thoroughly, as I am not sure that it is quite right?