Plum Pulp (Preservation)

HC Deb 07 July 1952 vol 503 cc887-8

30. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider making facilities available for the use of SO, for preserving plum pulp in barrels and tanks and thus increasing the opportunities for the use of home-produced crops of this fruit.

Major Lloyd George

Such facilities are already available and I do not think that I could usefully intervene.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that the facilities are equal to those available during the war, because if there is not enough sugar it is most important, especially for the plum crop, that SO₂ should be used?

Major Lloyd George

I gather that the position is that there is a plentiful supply of SO₂ available for this purpose. Therefore, if it is necessary to do this, I do not think that there is anything to prevent it being done.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend not aware that one of the difficulties is the actual place in which to put the fruit, not so much the supplies of SO₂? Would he look into that matter to see that the capacity for taking the fruit is adequate?

Major Lloyd George

I will certainly look into that point.