§ Mr. W. Brownasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the position in Rugby as regards summer fruit, vegetables, and other commodities is acute; that there are large queues in the town for many commodities; that many residents are having to travel to Leicester, Birmingham and Northampton, to obtain supplies; and Whether he can take steps to secure a more adequate distribution of food supplies in this town?
§ Mr. MabaneI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Wednesday, 15th July, to the Question by the hon. Member for West Bromwich (Mr. J. Dugdale). I have made inquiries and have found no evidence that Rugby1422W is not receiving a fair share, at the present time, of the main summer fruits, vegetables and other commodities. I have received complaints of a shortage of tomatoes in Rugby but am informed that the town has received its full proportion of available supplies together with fair quantities of gooseberries and cherries. Supplies of vegetables are reported to be adequate. I am aware that residents of Rugby have travelled to adjacent towns in search of additional food supplies, principally strawberries, but I cannot agree that it was necessary for them to make journeys in order to obtain essential foodstuffs.