§ Mr. TICKLERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that after the trade being in 2237W structed not to purchase Seville sour oranges for marmalade the Government buyers have purchased the crop and are making allotments of the same to manufacturers at the price of 45s. per cwt., as compared with the contract price last season of 16s. 6d. per case of 1 cwt. c.i.f.; and whether he is prepared to advise the Food Controller to discontinue the control of the prices of perishable fruits?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Food Controller has arranged to supply the manufacturers with the bitter oranges purchased under his directions in Spain and Italy this season and required for the manufacture of marmalade for the Army and civilian population, at a provisional price of 45s. per cwt. of sound fruit delivered free on rail at the port of arrival. This figure will be subject to adjustment when the actual cost of deliveries has been ascertained. The corresponding price last season, so far as purchases for Army marmalade are concerned, was approximately 32s. 6d. per cwt. The difference is mainly due to the increase in freight and war insurance rates. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.