Mrs. Adamsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether 1296W he is aware that in certain areas greengrocers are victimising allotment holders who were former purchasers of greengrocery by withholding the sale of oranges when they are available and reserving them for customers who purchase vegetables; and whether he will take steps to ensure that this unfair practice shall not be continued to the detriment of those who are acting in the national interest by cultivating allotments?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. On the contrary the fruit and vegetable trades have co-operated most helpfully in the development of the "Dig for Victory" campaign. If my hon. Friend has knowledge of any specific cases of the kind suggested in her Question and will supply me particulars I will have inquiries made.
§ Mr. Goldieasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in South-West Lancashire cucumbers are being sold at a retail price of 7s. 6d. each in comparison with a normal seasonal price of about 2s.; and whether, in the interests of purchasers, he will take steps to control the price?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy Noble Friend has no information that prices such as that which my hon. Friend quotes are being charged in Lancashire. Cucumbers are out of season at this time of year and produced in very small quantities, and my Noble Friend does not consider that any form of price control is necessary or desirable for commodities in this category.