HC Deb 27 June 1918 vol 107 c1239W
Sir ARTHUR SHIRLEY BENN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether practically the whole of the whortleberry crop during the last two years has been diverted from food purposes and used in the dyeing industry owing to the higher prices for the fruit paid by the dye manufacturers; and whether, seeing that there is now an adequate supply of synthetic dyes, and that it is no longer necessary to use natural products for dyeing, and in view of the shortage of cultivated fruits, he will consider the desirability of the utmost effort being made to utilise the whole of this year's whortleberry crop for food, and to this end that an Order prohibiting their use for dyeing purposes be issued?

Mr. CLYNES

I am aware that whortleberries are used in the dyeing industry, and am inquiring into the extent to which they are used for this purpose. I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion when these inquiries have been completed.