HC Deb 25 March 1919 vol 114 c228W
Major HENDERSON

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that certain jam manufacturers have already purchased, and are still offering to purchase, all raspberries and strawberries grown in certain districts in Scotland, purchase in some cases extending over the period of the next five years; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to prevent a corner being formed in these fruits in Scotland and any attempt being made to inflate the price above the normal market level?

Mr. G. ROBERTS

I am aware that certain contracts have been made between jam manufacturers, fruit dealers, and growers for various kinds of fruit at prices considerably in excess of those obtaining last season, and have already caused a warning to be issued that, if speculation at this juncture is likely to result in fruit prices reaching unreasonable limits during the approaching season, I shall consider it my duty to reimpose the control exercised during the last two seasons. It has also been made clear to jam manufacturers that any revision of jam prices will be in the nature of a reduction, provided that the fruit crop during the coming season is of average dimensions.

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