HC Deb 30 July 1951 vol 491 c938
16. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the shortage in Yorkshire of dried fruit offered for sale at controlled prices, and that householders can only buy imported mincemeat at 50 per cent. higher prices; and whether he will increase the allocation of dried fruit to this area.

Mr. F. Willey

dried fruits, which are, unfortunately, in short supply generally, are distributed equitably throughout the country under a system of allocation to retailers which is based mainly on sugar registrations. Any increase in supplies to Yorkshire, therefore, could only be at the expense of fair distribution to the rest of the country.

Mr. Turton

is the Minister aware that Yorkshire is not getting a fair share in this matter, that the imports of dried fruit this year were, in fact, the same as last year, and that in Yorkshire we have had a much smaller allocation?

Mr. Willey

as far as my inquiries show, Yorkshire is getting an equally fair share.

Mr. Henry Strauss

are any of the goods "in short supply" scarce?