§ 53. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been draw to the increasing quantities of imported tomatoes which are being sold without it being disclosed that they are of foreign origin; and if he will draw the attention of local authorities to the need to use their powers under the Merchandise Marks Act, and thus assist in protecting the home market for the home growers.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)My right hon. Friend is aware that some retailers have been selling tomatoes without indicating the country of origin. The Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, empowers Local Authorities to enforce marking orders applicable to foodstuffs, but it does not require them to do so. My right hon. Friend is arranging for them to be reminded of the various marking orders now in operation.
§ Major H. Legge-BourkeWould my hon. Friend see if he can do something to bring to the public notice the fact that home growers of tomatoes today are able to put their tomatoes on the market at almost exactly the same price as the prewar price, which is about the only commodity of which that can be said?