§ 79. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food if he has considered the statement signed by 48 strawberry growers, in North-west Kent, concerning the unfair treatment this late maturing district is receiving through the pre-emption of the strawberry crop at prices below the cost of production; and what action does he propose to take.
§ Mr. StracheyI am aware that some strawberry growers are not fully satisfied with the control prices. These prices have to be fixed according to the average date at which crops mature, and costs of production are taken fully into account in fixing these prices. I am advised that it would not be practicable to vary the date according to the season.