§ Mr. P. WHITEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that raspberries grown in Ireland are principally grown by holders of small plots who personally till their own gardens; whether he is aware that the price fixed for raspberries, as compared with that fixed for black currants and gooseberries, operates to the prejudice of the industrious plot-holders who grow raspberries; and whether he will state by what authority the sellers of raspberries 1241W are compelled to sell to jam manufacturers at a fixed price and are shut out from a free market?
§ Mr. PARKERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Considering the average yield of the different crops, it is not thought that the price paid for raspberries compares unfavourably with the prices paid for gooseberries and black currants. The statutory power to control the destination and price of home produce is vested in the Food Controller, and is exercised by Orders under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.