HC Deb 19 May 1958 vol 588 cc880-1
30. Mr. Grey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will publish in HANSARD a summary of the study made by his Department on the problem of the retail marketing and distribution of vegetables.

Mr. Godber

I presume the hon. Member refers to the comprehensive review of retail marketing and distribution of horticultural products made by the Runciman Committee. The Report of that Committee was published in January of last year.

Mr. Grey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the general effect of the fluctuation in the prices of vegetables, and does not he think, as the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central (Mr. Short) has suggested, that some strict control of prices should be introduced? If he does not agree to this, which I am sure he does, will he set up an inquiry into the prices of vegetables, and report to the House the results of the inquiry?

Mr. Godber

I recommend the hon. Gentleman to read the Report of the Runciman Committee, which did go into this matter at considerable length and came to the conclusion that there is no unreasonable profiteering in vegetables. But these products are subject to considerable fluctuation because as I have said in answer to a previous Question, both supply and demand do change so much with climatic conditions.

Mr. Willey

In view of what the hon. Gentleman has said, will he now tell the House when the Government intend to make a further statement on the proposals made by the Runciman Committee?

Mr. Godber

The hon. Member is aware that my right hon. Friend has informed the House of the position regarding the setting up of an horticultural marketing advisory committee, which is now in the course of being established.

Name of Trap Price Conditions of Approval
Imbra Mark I (a) … 10s. 6d. (While existing stocks last) Approved for use (i) in rabbit holes and (ii) in artificial tunnels against grey squirrels and ground vermin.
Imbra Mark II … 15s. 0d.
Juby Trap … About 19s. 6d.
Fenn Vermin Trap Mark I … — Approved for use (i) in artificial tunnels against grey squirrels and ground vermin and (ii) against rats and mice on their runs.
Fenn Vermin Trap Mark II … (b) —
Fenn Vermin Trap Mark III … 6s. 6d.
Fuller Trap … 18s. 6d. ex works Approved for use against grey squirrels.
(a) The Imbra Mark I trap has been superseded by the Imbra Mark II and is not now in production.
(b) The Fenn Vermin Traps Mark I and Mark II have been replaced by the Fenn Vermin Mark III and they are not now being made.
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