§ 56. Mrs. Middletonasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that in some areas oranges have doubled in price since decontrol, he will now re-institute price control of this fruit which is important for young people.
§ Mr. WebbThis is a between-season period for oranges, and I would prefer to see how decontrol works out over a longer period before making any judgment.
§ Mrs. MiddletonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the high prices since decontrol for wholly necessary or wholly desirable foods are causing alarm and despondency among the housewives of Great Britain; and will he turn one ear away from what his experts are telling him to listen to what is being said about this in the kitchens of Great Britain?
§ Mr. WebbI am also aware that at this time last year and the previous year there were no oranges at all on sale.
§ Mr. McAddenIs the Minister also aware that at this time of year oranges are always high in price? If alarm and despondency exists now, will he bear in mind that it has always existed at this time of the year?
§ Brigadier HeadWill the Minister recall that probably the true answer is a lemon?