§ 46. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, owing to the fact that transport of apples to the industrial centres of the North has been curtailed, good cooking apples have been sold wholesale for 1½d. 1b on the market in Gloucester; and whether he will take steps to remedy this situation.
§ The Minister of Food (Colonel Llewellin)The sales of apples by wholesale on the Gloucester market at 1½d. per 1b. have, I am informed, been only of windfalls and other low grade apples, and that maximum prices are now being obtained there for good samples.
§ Mr. PriceWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that the curtailment of transport of apples which did take place to the North recently, has resulted in a glut of long-keeping varieties and a considerable waste of food?
§ Colonel LlewellinThey can go under our Order anywhere in England and Wales except the four Northern counties. There is a large area in the Midlands where these apples can go. If the hon. Member can give me any details I will certainly try to assist in the marketing of any surplus apples.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there are plenty of apples in the North already?
§ Mr. StephenWill the Minister send the apples to Scotland?
§ Colonel LlewellinWe have tried to equal up supplies in both areas. I am glad to hear that there are surpluses in both.