§ 54. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the further evidence that has been sent to him and the fact that a petition, representing 419 customers has been signed, he will reconsider his refusal to grant an allocation of imported fruits to Mr. L. Humphreys, of Worlds End Farm, Worlds End Lane, Chelsfield, Kent.
§ Sir B. SmithI have reconsidered this matter, but, for reasons which have been fully explained this week to the hon. Member, I cannot see my way to make this allocation.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that a greengrocer in a small district cannot carry on business unless he has an allocation of imported fruits? Does he realise also that by his order he is depriving this man of earning a living and 419 customers of being served nearer home?
§ Sir B. SmithI am sorry, but my reply must be that when applications are made for licences for additional people to go into this trade it is always explained to them that they cannot have an allocation of imported fruit. It is in short supply and is under allocation. I could not spread it just as wide as the hon. Member suggests.