HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc11-2
20. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food why two cargoes of oranges were landed in London and Liverpool and then sent by train to Liverpool and London, respectively; how many in these two cargoes were eventually unfit for human consumption; what was the total cost to the taxpayer; and will he take disciplinary action against those responsible.

Mr. Strachey

I am once more grateful to the hon. Member for giving me this opportunity of denying one of those malicious untruths about my Department's methods of trading in which he specialises. No oranges have been sent from London to Liverpool. Two hundred and sixty-five tons of oranges were needed to make up an allocation due to the London area and we sent this quantity from a cargo of 3,460 tons landed at Liverpool. The rail journey had no measurable effect on the condition of the fruit. As a fiat railway rate is paid for the carriage of this fruit no extra cost to the taxpayer was incurred.

Sir W. Smithers

Is that flat railway rate a preferential one for the Minister of Food, or does he pay the same railway rate as ordinary commercial users?

Mr. Strachey

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. Henry Strauss

On a point of Order. If I heard the Minister's answer correctly he referred to "malicious untruths in which the hon. Member specialises." My question to you, Mr. Speaker, is whether that implication on the motives of the hon. Member is in accordance with the traditions of this House, and is in Order?

Mr. Speaker

As a matter of fact, I noticed that remark in the Minister's reply, and I rather regretted it.

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Mr. Speaker

Let me finish. It is perfectly true that the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) often raises points; but, after all, we differ in our opinions, and they may be, from his point of view, honest criticisms. Therefore, I regret that it should be said that he has indulged in malicious untruths.

Mr. Strachey

I of course withdraw at once the words you find inappropriate or complain of, Mr. Speaker, but I should like to point out that I expressed my gratitude to the hon. Member for collecting and bringing to light those statements which have been made—not by him, but by someone else.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

When, some little time ago, the right hon. Gentleman said that if the workers worked harder it would benefit only the bosses, was that a malicious untruth?

Mr. Speaker

I think we had better end this question now.