§ 49. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the growers' costs of road transport between the Selsey area and Covent Garden since nationalisation have increased to 2d. a cabbage and from 4d. to 5s. for half a bushel of lettuces; and what steps he is taking on behalf of the horticultural industry to negotiate lower price schedules of road transport charges.
Mr. T. WilliamsI am advised that the cost of road transport for the haul stated is 2s. 4½d. per crate of cabbage and 10½d. per bushel box of lettuce, with a minimum charge of 5s. for each collection. As regards the second part of the Question, I am not aware that the existing facilities for negotiation on price schedules for road transport charges are in any way inadequate.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is largely through the incidence of the very heavy road charges that growers are unable to make a profit? Will he not help them to negotiate revised schedules of transport charges?
Mr. WilliamsI cannot accept that statement, since the crate or two-bushel box to carry cabbages contains anything between 16 to 26. It does not work out at anything like 2d., unless they are very small indeed.
§ Mr. H. HyndCan my right hon. Friend explain the very wide divergence between these prices and the prices charged in the shops?
§ Mr. Peter ThorneycroftIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that increases in transport charges of anything from 50 per cent. to 120 per cent. have been placed on the horticultural industry? Will he not make some representations to the Minister of Transport and at least dissuade him from hounding the free transport hauliers out of business?
Mr. WilliamsI am sure that my right hon. Friend will not accept the charges and allegations made by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIn view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman is not apparently aware of the situation, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.