§ 30 and 31. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Food (1) if he will consider the advisability of setting up a committee to consider a reorganisation of the distribution of vegetables and soft fruits, with a view to eliminating those who do no useful service but add to the cost to the consumer;
(2) what steps are being taken to control the price of market garden produce during the coming season; and to ensure 1539 that the difference between the price paid to the primary producer and that charged to the consumer is not unreasonable.
§ Mr. WebbThese are difficult problems to which the Agricultural Departments and the Ministry of Food have in the past given a great deal of attention without, so far, having found any satisfactory solution. In consultation with my colleagues I intend to go into the whole matter myself as soon as possible and I would rather not make any pronouncement at the moment.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that last year many complaints were made by hon. Members of this House that fruit was allowed to rot on the trees and that vegetables were ploughed back into the ground because the farmer could not find a market for his produce? Is not the time ripe for a committee to be set up to regulate the supply and demand, and is the Minister aware that lettuce sold by the primary producer at ½d. is sold in the market at 1s. and 1s. 3d.? Could my right hon. Friend tell us the number of people who get a rake-off between the ½d. and the 1s. 3d.?