HC Deb 10 April 1946 vol 421 cc1928-9
70. Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the majority of importers of Canary tomatoes are receiving three distinct profit margins under the Imported Tomatoes Order, 1945; and whether he will vary the Order with a view to relieving the consumer of the burden of inflated prices.

Sir B. Smith

I am not aware that any importers of Canary tomatoes are receiving three margins. As I said on 27th March in reply to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Collins), the margins are experimental and I shall review them in the light of experience.

Mr. Chamberlain

Since my right hon. Friend did indicate a week ago that 91 out of 130 import licences were granted to those who were also wholesalers, does he agree that they are getting margins as importers, selling agents and wholesalers? Does he not think it is outrageous?

Sir B. Smith

It is limited to two at the moment, and I am trying to remedy that. I will report to the hon. Member when I am satisfied.

Mr. Chamberlain

It is three, not two.

75. Mr. Chamberlain

asked the Minister of Food why he has now made it obligatory for importers of Canary tomatoes to offer the tomatoes to one of the two associations of first-hand salesmen.

Sir B. Smith

As there are 130 firms licensed to import tomatoes from the Canary Islands, it was necessary, in order to ensure equitable distribution, to establish control of the allocation of these tomatoes to distributors. The associations consist of first-hand distributors freely chosen by the importers.

Mr. Chamberlain

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this was denied by the Parliamentary Secretary on 20th March, when it was said they had the option to go straight to the wholesalers? Is he further aware that the associations are working so inefficiently that importers are having to go out of business, and does he not think this whole affair of first hand salesmen should be cleared away in the interests of the public?

Sir B. Smith

No, Sir, I am not aware of the various questions put to me. With regard to the wholesalers, I have already said that I am looking into the whole question.