§ 39. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that lemons are being sold in the London suburbs at 4d. each; and, in view of the hardship occasioned to housewives by this increase over the former controlled price, he will consider reimposing maximum price controls.
§ Mr. StracheyI do not think that the comparison with the controlled price is altogether relevant, as under control, scarcely any lemons were obtainable at this time of year. When the import season has really begun it will be time to compare prices under the new and old arrangements. I shall of course pay careful attention to this comparison.
§ Mr. EvansWhile I knew that the Minister's answer was going to be a "lemon," may I ask whether the Minister does not think that an increase of more than 100 per cent. in the price above that of the pre-control price is iniquitous during this period of admitted shortage?
§ Mr. StracheyI think that the comparison is vitiated by the fact that we were unable to import lemons in the off season altogether, at the controlled price, and that the real comparison will be when we see what new price establishes itself in the importing season.
§ 64. Mr. Molsonasked the Minister of Food when there was last a distribution 503 of lemons in The High Peak; why there has been a shortage of lemons during the summer in this country; and what steps he is taking to increase importations.
§ Mr. StracheyThe last distribution of lemons in The High Peak district took place in March and April last. During the summer only small supplies are available from non-dollar sources and the result has been a seasonal shortage. As the hon. Member knows, lemons have recently been freed from control, as I consider that lemons, both the demand and supply of which are highly variable, and which, however desirable, are certainly not a staple foodstuff, are a commodity quite unsuited for bulk purchase on a permanent basis.
§ Mr. MolsonWill the right hon. Gentleman say why he had such difficulty in obtaining lemons during this summer in view of the fact that there was a very large supply of lemons in Italy and, as far as currency is concerned; he was buying from Italy large quantities of peaches, which could hardly be regarded as important as lemons?
§ Mr. StracheyThe difficulties are due to currency reasons. We cannot by any means buy unlimited produce from Italy and, in addition, there was a controlled price below which lemons could not be sold in this country. We will now see whether the private trade can do better in this respect.