HC Deb 13 February 1946 vol 419 cc105-6W
Mr. Gilzean

asked the Minister of Food in view of the considerable difference between the available fruit supplies in the South of England and the main centres of population in Scotland, what steps he proposes taking to arrange a more equitable distribution.

Mr. Willis

asked the Minister of Food if he has considered the representations made by the Edinburgh branch of the Retail Fruit Federation concerning the inadequate supplies of fruit and fresh vegetables available for distribution in Edinburgh and South-east Scotland; and what steps he has taken to arrange for the provision of more adequate supplies.

Sir B. Smith

No representations have yet reached me from the Edinburgh branch of the Retail Fruit Trade Federation. Apart from home-grown tomatoes, the Ministry of Food is in a position to allocate only imported fruit and vegtables. In the case of imported apples and onions preference is given to Scotland and the North of England. In all other cases there is equal distribution over the whole country.