§ 28. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that canned fruit, imported through London, is not always reaching country districts in sufficient quantities owing to the fact that the profit allowed to the importers does not cover the cost of carriage to the provinces; and whether he will arrange for such canned fruit to be placed in local depots as is done with canned meats.
§ Mr. StracheyThe hon. Member is, I think, under some misapprehension. My Department bears the cost of carriage to distributors' depots in the provinces.
§ Mr. Monslowasked the Minister of Food on what basis the allocation of canned fruit is distributed for the township of Barrow-in-Furness; and whether he is aware that the allocation made to G. Baynes, grocer and provisions dealer, is so limited as to be inadequate to meet the needs of his registered customers.
§ Mr. StracheyBarrow-in-Furness, in common with the rest of the country, receives a share based approximately on population. Distribution is through the ordinary trade channels and it is not tied to consumer registrations. I am afraid4W I am not in a position to determine the share of any particular retailer.