§ 32. Wing Commander Bullusasked the Minister of Food if he will ensure that dried fruit imported into this country will be delivered to bakers in a clean condition.
§ Mr. WebbEvery effort is made, both in conditions of contract and local inspection by our own trained officers, to ensure that only clean dried fruit is shipped to this country. We are not yet, however, back to pre-war standards, partly because much cleaning plant in some producing countries is in need of repair or replacement, partly because of a shortage of water-proof paper and other suitable materials used when the fruit is dried. In existing circumstances it is bound to take some time before these difficulties can be fully overcome, but I am most anxious to do all I can to improve the situation, which, I fully admit, is far from satisfactory.
§ Wing Commander BullusHas the right hon. Gentleman had any other representations on this matter? Would he confirm that it is not from Empire countries that we get the dirty fruit, but rather from foreign countries?
§ Mr. WebbThe reply to the latter part of that question is that that is quite true. I have had representations, including representations from the trade, and we are doing our best to try to help them.
§ Captain CrookshankDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that we are not back yet to pre-war standards?
§ Captain CrookshankThen they were better than they are now?