§ 80. Flying-Officer Bowdenasked the Minister of Food what system is adopted for the distribution of bananas and 1875 oranges to retail shops; and if he will agree to permit retail traders to reserve supplies of these fruits for their regular customers, as under the present system the small retailer shopkeeper finds himself besieged and his own regular customers fail to get their supplies.
§ Dr. SummerskillSupplies of bananas and oranges are allocated to retailers on the basis of their grading by local distribution committees which were set up for this purpose and composed of representatives of the wholesale and retail trade. As regards the last part of the Question, it is an essential part of the distribution scheme that all customers presenting an unmarked ration book during the reservation period should be served, and my right hon Friend is not prepared to encourage retailers to reserve supplies for their regular customers.