§ 73. Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the Minister of Food how much orange juice bought by his Department has been exported to the Channel Islands; what was the cost of that orange juice to this country; what was the price charged by this country; and whether it was stipulated that orange juice supplied to the Channel Islands should be sold only at controlled prices and on a priority basis.
§ Dr. SummerskillFrom October, 1945, to the end of July, 1947, the Channel Islands were supplied with 335¼ gross bottles of orange juice. They were charged £3,416 which was the cost of production. The arrangements were made on the understanding that they would be distributed to the same priority classes as in Great Britain, but at un-subsidised prices.
§ Mr. GreenwoodIs my hon. Friend aware that although adequate supplies of orange juice are available on the Islands, they are only available at the price of 1s. 10d. a bottle, which is far in excess 991 of what many working-class families can afford to pay? Will she insist, in further negotiations with the authorities, that although we want to do everything possible to help, further supplies must be conditional on the operation of a fair scheme?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think my hon. Friend has forgotten that the Channel Islands are self-governing, and that we cannot insist upon these things.
§ Mr. GreenwoodIs my hon. Friend aware that we can refuse to sell these commodities unless we get satisfactory undertakings?