§ 56. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Food what is the justification for selling a case of Jamaican grapefruit to wholesalers in this country at 36s. per case, when the price f.o.b. Jamaica is only 15s. per case, freight, handling charges and insurances approximately 8s. 5d., or 23s. 5d. in all: and what happens to the difference of approximately 12s. 7d. between these two figures.
§ Mr. StracheyThe Ministry's selling prices to wholesalers for citrus fruits are based on the average cost of supplies from all sources, not from Jamaica alone, and they have to cover other expenses as well, such as overhead, agency and inland52W transport expenses, as well as any loss from wastage. The figures which the hon. Member has quoted are, therefore, misleading.