HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 cc839-40
29. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider setting up a small committee to investigate the finances of the vegetable trade from the grower to the consumer, so that the public can know the costs incurred.

Mr. Webb

I do not think that a committee could provide any information which is not already available to the Government and now under examination.

Mr. Janner

Is not the Minister aware that very many housewives are unable to purchase vegetables and fruit owing to the very high prices, and does not he think consumers would welcome more information in this matter so that they could use their judgment as to when to follow his advice to hold off buying? Also, if there is some justification for the prices, is not it advisable that the public should know; and is not this a method of doing it?

Mr. Webb

We have a great deal of information about this matter. The question of publication does not, I think, arise at the moment. What is needed is action, and we are very concerned about that.

Sir Herbert Williams

Would the Minister institute a weather planning department, and then this difficulty would not arise in the future?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Would the Minister consider it desirable, in order that the public might know the facts, that he should publish a statement of returns to the growers, because the vegetables they are now producing do not provide them with any reasonable profit on their production