§ 32. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Food if he is in a position to make a statement about the allocation and distribution of imported fresh fruits.
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir. I have found that there is a tendency for home-grown fruit to be sold and eaten near the areas in which it is grown. It is impracticable to regulate distribution of this home-grown fruit so as to secure an even spread over the whole country. I have, therefore, decided to draw on the increasing supplies of imported fruit to compensate those areas, mainly in the North, which get a smaller share of home-grown fruits, by directing to them a larger share of the oranges and apples imported during the current quarter and the first quarter of next year. This will be done by making more frequent allocations of oranges and larger allocations of apples to these hitherto unlucky areas. The areas to be so treated are Scotland, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Staffs., Derbyshire, Notts., Wales and Northern Ireland. Fortunately, the total of imported fruit which we plan to import will be so much higher that the amount going to the South will also be substantially higher than during the past year. 502 But it will not increase as rapidly as the supplies to the North.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs the Minister aware that this answer will give very great satisfaction to the people in the areas concerned?
§ Mr. KeelingWill the Minister give: an assurance that should there be a glut of any home-grown fruit, there will be no restriction on sending it to those areas in the North which he has mentioned?
§ Mr. StracheyThere is no restriction now.
§ Mr. BossomDoes it include pomegranates at 2s. 6d. each?
§ Mr. MedlicottIs the Minister taking steps to encourage the increased production of fruit by British people who are anxious to be given an opportunity?
§ Mr. StracheyThat is a question of consultation between my right hon. Friend and myself, but we are certainly giving such encouragement.