§ 133. Major Bruceasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the city of Portsmouth imported tomatoes front the Channel Islands before the war for distribution to all parts of the country; whether he will state the reasons for his Department's recent decision not to use 23W Portsmouth as one of the ports of importation; and whether he will receive a deputation to discuss this matter.
§ Mr. StracheyThe distribution of tomatoes is controlled in order to spread supplies fairly throughout the United Kingdom and we have to concentrate on a limited number of ports of entry in order that arrivals may be canalised and sent to the appropriate areas. I regret I cannot arrange for Portsmouth to be a port of entry for Channel Island tomatoes, but I will gladly discuss the matter with my hon. Friend if he cares to get in touch with me.