HC Deb 16 June 1947 vol 438 cc177-8W
97. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that lettuces are being sold at 1s. 6d. each in outer London; what is the price paid to the prime producer; how many sales transactions are involved between producer and consumer; and how much profit is made at each stage.

Dr. Summerskill

During the week ending 7th June, the average retail price of lettuce in the Greater London area was 1s. each and in certain outer districts it was as low as 10d. each. During the same week, a usual price obtained by producers in the home counties was from 8s. to 9s. per dozen and the most usual wholesale price at London markets 10s. per dozen. The number of hands through which the lettuces pass varies considerably according to circumstances. In the absence of standardised methods of marketing and grading, it would be impossible to obtain any useful information about profits at any given stage of distribution