HC Deb 11 December 1946 vol 431 cc1155-6
52. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the estimated 2 lb. allocation per head of canned fruit will reach consumers over the counter; and how much will be diverted to catering and manufacturing purposes.

Mr. Strachey

There is naturally no allocation of canned fruit at the rate of 2 lb. a head, or at any other rate. The fruit is being issued under the points scheme, and I repeat that the total quantity would give everybody just below 2 lb. a head if every consumer bought an exactly equal quantity, which of course they will not. Caterers may buy, in exchange for points, in the same way as ordinary consumers. My guess is that they will take up some 10 per cent.

Major Lloyd

; Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement on this sub- ject some time ago was interpreted by the country as a whole that there would be 2 lb. per head available of canned fruit, and that, in fact, the public have been grossly misled, because there is nothing of the kind, and a very large amount is going for catering and manufacturing purposes?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. The public will not have been misled. The amount available is not 2 lb. per head, but as I originally stated, just under 2 lb., and catering establishments will take up just under 10 per cent., and why should they not?