§ 37. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Food what dried fruits, apart from currants, raisins and sultanas, have been imported to Britain in 1952; and what dried fruits, apart from currants, raisins and sultanas, will be available for 1953.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeApart from about 40,000 tons of dates and figs imported on private account, my Department imported about 9,000 tons of muscatels, prunes, dried apricots and dried peaches during 1952. Dates and figs can be freely imported this year. Some dried apricots have already been purchased by my Department, but I cannot yet say what other fruit will be available.
§ Mrs. MannTo whom did the right hon. and gallant Gentleman distribute the dried prunes and dried apricots? There 833 is a strong feeling among housewives that the caterers got them. Is he aware that we have not seen any dried prunes or apricots for over a year?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI could not, without notice, tell the hon. Lady where the dried fruits went, but I can say that the distribution of dried fruits was much greater last year than it had been for a very long time. I hope that this year it will be greater still.