§ 29. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Food what were the imports of Malayan tinned pineapples in 1938 and what quantity he expects to import in 1948.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)We imported 1,696,251 cases in 1938. I cannot estimate imports for 1948, but the total production of the area is not expected to exceed 40,000 cases, for all markets.
§ Mr. GammansCan the hon. Lady assure the House that the reduction in 1688 the supplies we are likely to get this year, as compared with before the war, is not due in any way to a shortage of tinplate?
§ Dr. SummerskillI can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is a big market for tinned pineapple, as he will realise, and that many countries are willing to pay very big prices for it. When that market is satisfied we are prepared to take any surplus.