§ 45. Colonel Sir A. Lambert Wardasked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the destruction of oranges at Hull owing to the deterioration of these oranges through long storage; and whether he will arrange to expedite the distribution of fruit so as to avoid this waste in future.
§ The Minister of Food (Colonel Llewellin)Yes, Sir. Unfortunately a large quantity of oranges arriving in one ship were bad. This was due to wartime shipping conditions. Distribution of the good oranges started on the first day of discharge.
§ Sir A. Lambert WardWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House whether any attempt was made to sort and salvage these oranges, as many were fit for consumption?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir, only about 20 per cent. were bad. These unfortunately had to be dumped. The rest were distributed.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of those which were distributed were bad? I saw a great many in the shops that were bad.
§ Colonel LlewellinThat is quite a different question.
§ 46. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Food why it is that such a large proportion of the oranges recently distributed were bad.
§ Colonel LlewellinA very large proportion of the oranges recently distributed have on the contrary been good, and have I believe been much appreciated.