§ 79 and 80. Mr. Austinasked the Minister of Food (1) what is the cost of Brazil nuts per pound to the recognised importers; what is the disposal price to the trade by the importers; and what is the price charged to the consumer;
(2) whether his attention has been drawn to a statement, of which a copy has been sent to him, by the secretary of the Retail Fruit Trade Federation, requesting an official inquiry into the price of imported Brazil nuts on the grounds that a charge of 2s. 6d. per pound to the consumer is disproportionate to the importers disposal price of 1s. 2½d. per pound; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
§ Mr. StracheyBrazil nuts have been free of price control since July, 1947, and they are imported on private account. I have seen the statement mentioned but I do not at present see any grounds for intervening.