§ Mr. RAPERasked the Food Controller what quantities of currants he has purchased of this season's crop; what quantity has been taken up by the distributors; what proportion of the balance is in such a bad condition as to require arbitration and allowances; and what steps he proposes to take in order to dispose of the indifferent currants?
Mr. ROBERTSWhile the Ministry is actually carrying on trading operations in Greece and in this country, I do not consider it desirable in the public interest to give detailed figures of purchases made and quantities sold. It is, further, not possible to give the particulars asked for in the third part of the question, as a considerable part of the purchases made have not yet reached this country, and not all those which have arrived have yet been landed or sampled. My official brokers will take all steps to dispose to the best advantage of any currants which may be in indifferent. condition.
§ Mr. RAPERasked the Food Controller whether he can import. currants to sell under 107s. 6d. per cwt. wholesale and Is. 2d. per lb. retail; and if he is prepared to allow private importers to import freely if they are willing to sell at 90s. per cwt. maximum wholesale price and Is. per lb. retail?
Mr. ROBERTSAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 6th November. I am now considering the question of allowing private importers to bring in currants subject to maximum wholesale and retail prices; but this form of control has not been found very satisfactory in the past.