HC Deb 11 December 1946 vol 431 cc1157-8
56. Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicks

asked the Minister of Food how many non-returnable containers suitable for the distribution of lettuces will be available to British growers in time for next season's crop.

Mr. Strachey

Timber is so scarce that there is no early prospect of getting non-returnable containers for lettuces.

Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicks

is the Minister aware that last year a very great quantity of home grown lettuces remained unsold owing to there being returnable containers, when imported lettuces, in non-returnable containers, were able to be sold? Is he in favour of handicapping the home produced market in this fashion?

Mr. Strachey

I am not in favour of a world timber shortage, and we are doing everything we can to overcome it.

Colonel Gomme-Dunean

Is it harder for us to get timber than for the people from whom we export?

Mr. Strachey

In many cases the containers come from people who have their own timber resources, but in conjunction with my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade we shall do all we can to get more timber.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In the interests of home food production, will the Minister look into the rumours that are floating around that we are actually exporting materials for these containers to some of our competitors?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir, certainly.