§ 69. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that apple trees are being advertised for sale at 12s. 6d. each for bushes and cordons, at 17s. 6d. for half-standards and at 21s. for full standards; and whether, in view of the 284W high prices being generally charged for fruit trees and of the price rings which exist in the nursery-garden business, he will consider establishing a State trading organisation for the production and sale of fruit trees and soft fruit plants, in competition with private monopoly.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware that there has been a considerable increase in the prices of fruit trees since the war. Cost of production, particularly labour costs, have risen substantially and the demand for trees is considerably in excess of supplies. I do not consider it desirable to set up an organisation on the lines suggested in the Question for the production and sale of fruit trees, but steps are being taken to increase production and prices should moderate as supplies improve.