§ 51. Mr. Beechmanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that large quantities of vegetables, recently sent to industrial centres, have been thrown away; and whether steps are taken to estimate the amount of vegetables likely to come upon the market with a view to avoiding serious waste of food, labour, time and transport?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware that certain quantities of vegetables have had to be sold for stock feeding or disposed of to processors, but these quantities are small in relation to the total coming forward for marketing. My hon. Friend will be aware that it is not unusual at the time of year for small quantities of vegetables to be disposed of in this way. As regards the latter part of the Question, my Department receives information through its area officers regarding the position in producing areas, but it would not be practicable for the Ministry to regulate the daily flow to markets of spring and summer vegetables, most of which are highly perishable and mature rapidly.
§ Mr. BeechmanIn view of the difficulties in the way of finding a solution to this problem, would my right hon. and 230 gallant Friend consider suggestions from the producers?