§ 38 and 39. Mr. Cliffeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the method of buying 20 employed by his Department for purchases of concentrated orange juice from Israel destined for the Welfare Foods Scheme;
(2) what percentage of his Department's purchases of concentrated orange juice from Israel for the Welfare Foods Scheme is made through the Citrus and Canned Products Association of Israel and their London agents, S. and S. Services Limited.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)All the concentrated orange juice bought by my Ministry from approved factories in Israel, for the Welfare Foods Service, has been purchased under contracts made with the Citrus and Canned Products Association of Israel, of which most of the canners are members.
§ Mr. CliffeQuestion No. 39 refers quite specifically to the percentage of trade conducted through S. and S. Services Limited. Will the Minister answer that?
§ Mr. HareIf the hon. Gentleman reads my Answer, he will see that I said that the contracts have been made with the Citrus and Canned Products Association of Israel, of which most canners are members. It has all been done through the Association.
§ Mr. CliffeIn view of that Answer, which I rather expected, after having correspondence with the Ministry, I wish to say that I am very perturbed by the methods now being adopted and that I shall take an early opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjournment.