§ 53. Lady Apsleyasked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the requirements of this country need the entire output of blackcurrants, apart from domestic use, to be devoted to the manufacture of syrup; whether he is aware of the possibilities of large overseas trade in this product; and whether, to enable fruit growers to plan ahead, he can state his policy in regard to the control of blackcurrant syrup both now and in the next few years.
§ Colonel LlewellinAny blackcurrants available for manufacture after providing for vitamin products to be distributed in this country will be needed for the jam ration until supplies of soft fruit are substantially increased.
§ Lady ApsleyIs the Minister aware that there is a great demand for blackcurrants overseas, and that if a decision was made now there would be a reasonable chance of making a considerable contribution to the export trade? It takes a long time for blackcurrants to grow.
§ Colonel LlewellinI should like to see many more blackcurrants grown, but we do need this blackcurrant purée for its valuable vitamin C content, and I feel I must give priority to that for the people of this country.
§ Lady ApsleyIs the Minister willing to encourage the growth of blackcurrants?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir.