§ 35. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the exceptionally large quantity of home-grown fruit which will be available for canning during the coming season, he will permit canners and jam manufacturers to provide a larger fruit content in their products.
Dr. HillThe relevant orders prescribe only the minimum weight content for tins of canned fruit and the minimum fruit content for jam.
§ Mr. RentonIs my hon. Friend aware that the minimum sugar content at present prescribed by this Department is as low as can be arranged for purposes of preservation? Would it be possible to cut it down still lower?
Dr. HillThe Question referred to the fruit content. The jam manufacturer is free to increase the fruit content above the minimum, provided he feels that a sale can be found at the higher price that would be necessary.
§ Mr. MitchisonWhat is the rest of this jam?
§ Captain DuncanMy hon. Friend says it will be necessary to increase the price of jam which was above the minimum fruit content. Does he realise that, owing to the very heavy fruit crop which has brought about a reduction in the price of fruit, there would not necessarily be an increased price? Will he therefore increase the minimum fruit content?
Dr. HillMy right hon. and gallant Friend is advised that to raise the minimum content, even taking into account the recent fall in prices, would of itself have the result of increasing the price of jam.
§ Mrs. MannIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he has permitted an extra 426 5½d. per lb. to be charged for the improved sausage? Why does he refuse even ½d. or 1½d. for an improved pound of jam? Why does he continue to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel?