§ 75. Mr. Bowerasked the Minister of Food what was the net landed cost of the stocks of edible nuts in shell recently auctioned by his Department; and what was the net amount realised at the auctions.
§ Mr. StracheyFull information is not yet available as to the net amount realised from the sale of the nuts which were recently auctioned. So soon as this information is complete I shall be prepared to make a statement giving the price the Ministry paid, the price realised from the sale and the profit which the Ministry secured.
§ 77. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the voluntary price arrangements operating in the fruit trade with regard to the sale of Tunis dates; and whether he will consider arranging for the sale of nuts to be dealt with on similar lines before the position becomes still more unsatisfactory.
§ Mr. StracheyThe auctions of the nuts have been completed and distribution has begun. No more are at present available. The position in regard to Tunis dates is quite different. A price arrangement can operate for their sale because there is a steady flow of supplies and they are in competition with price controlled Iraqi dates.