16. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Minister of Food how many of those plants set up during the war for dehydrating vegetables are now in operation.
§ Dr. SummerskillFive, under private ownership.
Mr. Scott-ElliotIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that these vegetables are very important for winter consumption, and can something be done to see that there are greater supplies available?
§ Dr. SummerskillI have already had a Question today in which an hon. Member alleges that there is a surplus of dehydrated potatoes.
§ Sir Frank SandersonDoes the figure of five include those plants erected in Ireland, and were not those plants in Ireland erected at the cost of the British Goverment?
§ Dr. SummerskillI have been asked how many of these plants set up during the war are now in operation. I understand that there are five, but we have 25 altogether. I am not sure how many there are in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. BaldwinWill the Parliamentary Secretary make further inquiries regarding these factories, because I think she will find that many are closing down due to the position in regard to imports of these vegetables from Holland?
17. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Minister of Food what steps are being taken to increase the output of frozen vegetables and fruit which can be consumed during the winter months.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe are giving every encouragement to this industry. So Jar this year 35 plants have been licensed compared with only 13 two years ago. We expect the home produce tonnage in 1948 to be more than three times that of 1947.