HC Deb 22 May 1950 vol 475 cc1631-2
19. Mr. Peter Smithers

asked the Minister of Food by what date he estimates that the supply of bananas will be sufficient to meet the demand of the home market.

Mr. F. Willey

It is very difficult to attempt an estimate. The production of bananas can be seriously affected by hurricanes and plant disease. Currency difficulties also limit what we can buy. At present, we have less than two-thirds of the pre-war quantity.

Mr. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that much of the former banana land is now under sugar cultivation? If he cannot estimate when there will be enough sugar or enough bananas, what is all the planning about?