§ Captain KNIGHTSasked the Minister of Food why it is necessary to restrict freedom of import and sale of dried figs from Algiers, and whether the French Embassy are also desirous of the removal of these restrictions which they consider harmful to trade?
§ Mr. McCURDYIt was decided that it was necessary, in the interests of the consumer, that all dried fruits of the 1919 crop required for the United Kingdom should be purchased by the Ministry of Food, and in these circumstances an Order was issued in August, 1919, prohibiting all persons from taking delivery of dried fruits in the United Kingdom except under the authority of the Food Controller. Control will be removed from dried fruits as soon as existing stocks have been disposed of, provided that arrangements can be made to safeguard the interests of the consumer. No communication expressing the views of the French Embassy on this subject has been received by the Ministry of Food.