52. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food what is the reason for the reduction in his canning programme for strawberries; why such short notice was given 2211 to the canners instructing them to reduce the size of their pack; and what is the connection between this reduction and the increased export of tinplate for the canning industry, which has been brought about by sending overseas supplies urgently needed by the home producers and home consumers.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe Ministry's programme for the canning of strawberries, which is more than twice that of last year, has not been reduced: and the second and third parts of the Question therefore do not arise.
Mr. De la BèreIs the hon. Lady aware that that programme was agreed by all sections of the trade in March, and that it has been reduced? Why is it, when we want to obtain additional food from home production, that we send tinplate abroad, and so make it impossible to increase supplies of home grown food? The hon. Lady is not going to get that one over on me.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am afraid that the hon. Gentleman is constantly misinformed. The programme was agreed in March at 1,050 tons, and that is the amount we are producing.
Mr. De la BèreIs the hon. Lady aware that I am informed of the facts from knowledge of them in my own division of Evesham?