§ Colonel STAVELEY-HILLasked the Food Controller why the price for hard fruit was fixed at £30 per ton when the members of the Fruit Growers' Association, who attended a conference in London at the request of the Government, had advised that the price should be £40 per ton; whether he is aware that, previous to the Order fixing the price, plums had been sold in considerable quantities in the open market at prices up to £160 per ton; and whether he will consider the possibility of fixing the price as advised by the Fruit Growers' Association at a minimum of £40 per ton, as the price now fixed entails hardship on fruit growers throughout the country?
§ Major ASTORThe maximum prices for plums were fixed in agreement with the Board of Agriculture, after the representations of fruit growers had been fully considered. The fact that high prices have been obtained in some cases for immature fruit is not thought to be a sufficient reason for revising the prices announced.
§ Mr. MACMASTERasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the result of his consideration with the other Departments of the restriction on the importation of apples and other fruits from our Dominions and the United States, in view of the failure of hard fruit in this country?
§ Mr. WARDLEIt is hoped that a decision on this matter will be arrived at very shortly, and I will let the hon. Member know the result.