§ 70. Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Minister of Food how many cases of Malayan pineapples canned during the November, 1946, to January, 1947, season have been reserved for shipment to the United Kingdom on his account; how many cases he has reserved from the forthcoming April to June season's pack; whether he has guaranteed a minimum price to packers; and whether he will give an assurance that the price offered is enough to stimulate production, taking into account the present cost of fresh fruit, tinplate, sugar and labour.
§ Mr. StracheyThe answer to the first part of the Question is 16,000 cases. Nothing has so far been bought from the forthcoming pack, but I am prepared to consider offers when the industry are in a position to make them. A guaranteed minimum price has neither been asked for nor offered.