§ Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Minister of Food on what grounds the maximum price of apples has been fixed at 10d. per pound; and whether, seeing that this maximum price for all classes of apples may enable retailers to sell inferior apples at exorbitant prices, he will reconsider the maximum price?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe maximum price of apples has been fixed at 10d. per lb., as compared with the maximum price of 9d. per lb. for last season, in view of the increased cost of transport and distribution and the necessity of attracting sufficient supplies from overseas, having regard to the fact that the British apple crop, which last year was exceptionally good, has this year been a comparative failure. A fortnight ago, in the week prior to control, apples were selling at prices ranging from 4d. to 4s. per lb. To-day they are selling freely at 4d. to 8d. per lb., and only the best qualities are realising the maximum price of 10d. per lb.