§ 52. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food what is the value, delivered at British ports, of the recent arrivals of oranges; what percentage was unfit for human consumption; what is the cost to the taxpayer of this wastage; and whether any disciplinary action is being taken against those responsible for this waste.
§ Colonel LlewellinIn regard to the first two parts of the Question, I am having the information prepared on the assumption that figures for the period 1st to 10th February, which is typical of recent importations, will be satisfactory to my hon. Friend; in regard to the third part, no charge falls on the taxpayer; in regard to the fourth part, the answer is "No, Sir."
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of reports of waste from all over the country, is not this proof of the futility of trying to control retail distribution from Whitehall?
§ Colonel LlewellinI do not think that is so at all.
§ Mr. ShinwellWho is responsible for the waste and where did the oranges come from? Did some of them come from Spain?
§ Colonel LlewellinIf anyone is responsible for the waste I am, because I know perfectly well that, with present shipping conditions, if we bring in any oranges at all there will be a considerable wastage, and of course there is less wastage from nearer sources of supply. Therefore there is less wastage in oranges brought from Spain.