27. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that imported vegetables are having serious repercussions on the marketing of English leeks, he will assist with the present difficulties and safeguard the future of homegrown vegetables.
§ Mr. StracheyThe object of importing vegetables is to provide the British housewife with a cheaper and ampler supply than she would otherwise have. This must be the paramount consideration. As a matter of fact, however, the imports we are at present receiving form a small part of our total vegetable supplies and even if they were stopped the effect on the marketing of the heavy leek and other crops might not be appreciable.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware of the painful way in which the growers in Evesham and other parts of the country have been let down over their leeks and onions? Why did he encourage them to grow as much as they could and then not find a market for their produce? The thing is too bad for words. These men are being ruined.
§ 29. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Food if he is considering the present marketing arrangements of fruit and vegetables; and, in view of the dissatisfaction expressed by both producer and retailer, what steps he is taking to improve distribution.
§ Mr. StracheyThe Government continue to receive the advice of the Fruit and Vegetable (Marketing and Distribution) Organisation, presided over by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and have under consideration various measures, including the amendment of the Agricultural Marketing Acts and the establishment of a Development Council for horticulture.
§ 34 and 35. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food (1) why, when a farmer or other grower is willing and anxious to sell his potatoes and carrots at less than the fixed price, he is not allowed to do so; and why merchants, who handle his produce, are not allowed to sell it below the fixed price;
(2) why he makes fixed prices for vegetables, thus preventing growers and merchants from selling those vegetables, which are going bad and rotting on their hands.
§ Mr. StracheyPotatoes and carrots are the only vegetables for which a guarantee of fixed prices is given to growers, with the object of maintaining the acreage. To allow individuals to sell how and where they please and at what 1579 prices they like would soon destroy confidence and make impossible the regular maintenance of supplies to all areas of the country.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that the "Financial Times" this morning announced that potatoes are selling in France at ¼d. per lb., and would he rather see them go to waste in England than own up that he is wrong? Is the Minister also aware that if he were the manager of a private concern and carried on the business so badly, he would get the sack?
§ Mr. StracheyI should much like to see the hon. Gentleman start a campaign in the agricultural districts of this country for the ending of the guaranteed price for potatoes.
§ Sir W. SmithersThat has nothing to do with the Question, as the right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well.
§ 36. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food why, in view of the complaints about dirty vegetables, growers, merchants and their agents are not allowed to wash carrots, while it is permissible to wash turnips and parsnips; and if he will remove these restrictions.
§ Mr. StracheyI have already taken up the question of the annulment of the relevant order with the interests involved.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs it not a fact that a dirty Government provides dirty vegetables?