§ 56. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the steep rise in the retail selling prices of spring greens and horticultural produce; that beetroots, sold at 9d. and 3d. prewar, are now sold at 9d. and 1s. and fresh 771 lettuce now sells at 3s. and 4s. per lb.; and if, in view of the enforced semi-vegetarian dietary, he will devise and apply a maximum price control order for all popular spring produce.
§ Colonel LlewellinMaximum prices are already in operation for a large range of horticultural produce; for instance, 4½d. per lb. for spring greens and 3d. per lb. for beetroot. These prices are no higher than in 1942 and have been fixed as reasonable. I am afraid that it has been found impracticable to fix a maximum price for lettuces.
§ Mr. WalkdenWhilst I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the information, of which I was already aware, is he aware that lettuce was selling on the Friday of last week in the Vale of Evesham at 3s. a dozen from the grower and, on reaching the consumer, the same lettuces were 18s. a dozen in, say, London? Is he further aware that many similar commodities yet remain uncontrolled and salads are prohibitive for the average British housewife?
§ Colonel LlewellinI would like to look into that particular case if my hon. Friend will send me particulars. It is not easy to fix a controlled price for lettuces. The lettuce is a difficult thing to measure.
§ Mr. WalkdenBut the Minister could fix a price.