§ MR. MOSLEYasked the Minister of Food what is the stock of dried fruit at present in this country; when it was purchased and at what price; and why it was sold at 10d. per lb. to the retailers who are now selling it to the public at 1s. 2d. per lb.
§ Mr. McCURDYThe stocks of dried fruits at present in this country are estimated at approximately 50,000 tons;1148W this figure includes stocks in bonded warehouses, and those held by wholesalers and retailers. The bulk of these stocks were purchased by my Department in August, September, and October of this year; the remainder were purchased on private account, and it is not possible to state when the purchases were effected. The prices paid by the Ministry range from 35s. per cwt. to 125s. per cwt., according to variety. The selling price to retailers ranges from 4½d. per lb. to 1s. 3½d. per lb, according to variety; and the maximum, retail prices vary between 6d. per lb. and 2s. per lb.