HC Deb 10 February 1944 vol 396 cc1922-3W
Sir G. Owen

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider giving greater publicity to the warning by the B.B.C. speaker on the food front on 3rd February that all oranges should be carefully washed before they are eaten, particularly as the greater proportion are consumed by children.

Colonel Llewellin

The warning to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was concerned with the grating of orange peel. I will arrange for the issue of a further warning on the lines he suggests.

Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Minister of Food what percentage of the contents of 2,400,000 cases of oranges, imported recently from Spain as a result of a transaction by the U.K.C.C., were unfit for consumption; and whether he intends to transact further orange deals with Spain.

Colonel Llewellin

As only a small proportion of the oranges purchased under the current contract have so far arrived, I cannot yet say what percentage of the whole will eventually be found unfit for human consumption. Having regard to the shipping difficulties experienced the proportion of sound fruit in the cargoes so far received has been satisfactory. I am unable to say at present what purchases may be made next season.

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