HC Deb 21 May 1942 vol 380 c370
74. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take action before the apple season commences to impose graded prices in order to prevent a repetition of last season, when retailers and consumers were compelled to pay the controlled price for drops and thirds?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

No, Sir. It would not be practicable to enforce statutory provisions prescribing varying maximum prices for different grades of apples sold on the fresh fruit market.

Mr. Morrison

Does that mean that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is going to allow the same thing this season as happened last season, when people were compelled to pay the national prices for throw-outs?

Major Lloyd George

I am advised that last year, which was a very light apple year, a good many apples of low grade were sold well below the national prices. I have no reason to fear that this year grading will not be carried on.