HC Deb 14 June 1948 vol 452 cc30-2
34. Mrs. Leah Manning

asked the Minister of Food whether he is yet in a position to extend the distribution of bananas.

Dr. Summerskill

Yes, Sir, in some degree. While supplies are still insufficient to enable bananas to be distributed freely to everyone, we are making arrangements to give a share to people over 70 as well as those under 18 and expectant mothers. As soon as the arrangements are completed a further announcement will be made.

Mrs. Manning

While thanking my hon. Friend for that manna from Heaven may I ask her if she is aware that this nourishing, delicious and easily masticated food will be much welcomed by our old people as an addition to their rather restricted diet?

Dr. Summerskill

Thank you.

Mr. Tolley

Can the hon. Lady do anything to increase the number of bananas?

— Quantity. Value.
(tons). (£).
Maize … … … … … … … … … … 197,717 2,826,295
Oats … … … … … … … … … … 138,268 2,374,756

Of the above quantities, 8,515 tons of oats were delivered from the United Kingdom stocks. The remainder were direct

— Direct Shipments. Ex United Kingdom stocks. Total.
(tons). (tons). (tons).
Maize.
Eire … … … … … 105,653 — 105,653
Control Commission for Germany 92,064 — 92,064
Oats.
Control Commission for Germany 96,249 8,350 (seed) 104,599
India … … … … 31,854 — 31,854
France … … … … 1,650 — 1,650
Crown Agents for the Colonies … — 165 165
335,985

In addition, 69,896 tons of maize was sent to Holland and Belgium, of which 66,938 tons were shipped direct from country of origin and 2,958 from the United Kingdom stocks. This maize remained the property of the United Kingdom and was sent to Holland and Belgium for the

Dr. Summerskill

We are importing 150,000 tons this year as against 100,000 tons last year.