Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the supply of home-produced fruits which have now been taken off the points rationing scheme, he will explain how it is that within 24 hours of the decontrol these goods have been disposed of in bulk and no supplies remain available for the general public?
§ Mr. MabaneThe purpose of the release was to pass into consumption quickly the stocks in the hands of retailers and wholesale suppliers and I have every reason to believe this object was achieved. The stocks were not more than sufficient to meet the very heavy public demand for more than a short time. Inquiries among retailers show that, to assist fair distribution, some restricted, sales to a limited quantity each day, and others held stocks over to this week, but where720W spread over methods were not employed, the stocks, in general, would be cleared within twenty-four hours. I know of no bulk sales having been made after the announcement was issued.