HC Deb 13 July 1931 vol 255 c35W
Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, taking the average prices this year for crops which have already been harvested, he can state how they compare with the average prices for the similar crops last year?

Dr. ADDISON

A number of fruit and vegetable crops are already on the market, but in the case of some of them it is rather early to make a comparison of prices with last year. The prices of gooseberries, cherries and rhubarb are lower than those ruling last year. Strawberries at the beginning of this season commanded higher prices, but at present they are lower than last year. Peas, beans and potatoes are substantially higher in price, while asparagus and Cornish broccoli have been about the same. Tomatoes were lower at the opening of the season, but have become rather higher in recent weeks. Cucumbers also were lower in the early months, but subsequently recovered to about last year's level.