HC Deb 22 July 1957 vol 574 cc1-3
1. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that housewives in Newcastle-upon-Tyne are being charged up to 2s. for a head of lettuce; and if he will introduce legislation to prevent overcharging for vegetables and fruit during spells of hot weather.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Derick Heathcoat Amory)

I am aware that prices of lettuce in Newcastle have been high recently owing to the dry spring. Supplies have improved with recent rain, and I am informed that retail prices are now about half what they were a month ago. The answer to the second part of the Question is: No, Sir.

Mr. Short

Is the Minister aware that we are still paying Is. in Newcastle for a head of lettuce? Is he aware that this applies not only to vegetables but also to fruit and that we are paying 7d. each for apples? Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this sort of petty profiteering right through the economy is one of the major causes of inflation?

Mr. Amory

One must realise that the weather has a tremendous effect on the production of lettuce. A year ago, I was getting into hot water in the House because the price of lettuce was so low. That is a good illustration of the exacting responsibilities of a Minister of Agriculture.

Mr. T. Williams

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information about exactly how much of the price of 2s. was received by the producer and how much the producer is getting of the price of 1s.?

Mr. Amory

No, I have not that information exactly. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, there is a great deal of competition in the production and marketing of this commodity. The information I have is that in London lettuces are available retail at between 6d. and 1s. according to quality.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that it is possible to survive for quite long periods without a lettuce, even in the hot weather? Would he not agree that foolish people who are prepared to pay 2s. for a lettuce are every bit as much responsible for the high prices as the trader who sells them?