§ 34. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, in Covent Garden on Saturday, 8th November, best cauliflowers dropped in price from 7d. to 3d. each and sprouts from 4d. to 2d. a lb., but that this fall was not reflected in many London shops which were charging at least 10d. for cauliflowers and 8d. a lb. for sprouts; and if, as retailers declare it is necessary to even out prices to take account of wastage and bad packing, he will hasten Government inquiries into schemes of better distribution.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think the hon. Member has been misinformed. The price of cauliflower in Covent Garden appears to have been slightly higher on Saturday than on Friday, while the price of sprouts showed no change from one day to the other.
§ Miss BurtonIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his figures and mine must have come from different wholesalers in the market? Is he further aware that the greengrocers who are charging more for vegetables on Saturday mornings are now getting double profits because they pay less in the wholesale markets and charge more in the shops? Will the Government take a lead in condemning such practices?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI must repeat that I do not think the hon. Lady's figures are quite correct. I saw the article to which the hon. Lady referred in the "Daily Herald," which was headed "Veg Sharks Make Double Profit," and that was immediately answered by the retail fruit trade on that very day. That letter was not published in the "Daily Herald," but the hon. Lady's letter was published. I have made independent inquiries and they confirm what I said in my answer.
§ Miss BurtonMay I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to accept the assurance that if my information was wrong I am sorry; but I made inquiries and I was informed that it was correct I will make further inquiries and write to the Minister on the matter.