§ Mr. R. M'NEILLasked the Food Controller if he has received a protest from the Fruit Preservers' Association against his action in ignoring the recommendations of the Jam Prices Advisory Committee in relation to the Jam Prices Order; whether he is aware that, in the judgment of those most conversant with the trade, the selling prices for jam have been fixed below the cost of production; if he will say on what basis was the calculation made by which the prices were fixed; and whether it is the intention to make an alteration in the prices so as to bring them within the requirements of the trade?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Food Controller Las received a deputation from the Fruit Preservers' Association on the subject of the present Jam Prices Order and has undertaken to have a further investigation made into the cost of manufacture, with a view to the revision of the prices if this should prove to be justified. The present prices were based upon the examination of manufacturers' costs, but in view of the unexpected variation in fruit prices this season the Food Controller agrees that there is ground for a further investigation.