§ 5. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increase there has been in the transport costs for one bag of brussels sprouts on a 50-mile haul during the last 12 months.
§ Mr. HoyMy information is that over the period and the distance specified, transport costs from the main growing areas have risen by about one penny per 281b. net or bag of brussels sprouts.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his information does not accord 1377 with that which the hauliers, in my area at least, have given? Does he realise that they are prepared to guarantee that costs have risen for a bag of brussels sprouts from 8d. a year ago to as much as 1s. 0d. now? Is this not evidence of what we were discussing in the previous Question?
§ Mr. HoyI do not think so. If the figures were correct it would be, but they certainly do not equate with the figures given to me.