§ 68. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Food what kinds of dried fruits are subsidised and subject to price control; and if he will take steps to bring dates under control, in order to obviate the present black market in them and to bring them within the purchasing power of the working-class housewife.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillThe dried fruits subject to price control are shown in the Dried Fruits (Control & Maximum Prices) (Amendment No. 4) Order, 1946, of which, with the hon. Member's permission, I will send him a copy as the list is rather long. All purchases of these fruits, which include dates (other than dates of African origin), carry a subsidy. The only dates not subject to price control and which are not subsidised are dates of African origin, which, owing to their 177W lack of keeping qualities, are not suitable for allocation and distribution through Ministry machinery.