§ 104. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the fact that since the price of gooseberries has been lowered to 9d. a pound they have become unobtainable to the public at large; and 179W what steps he proposes to take to ensure a steady flow of soft fruit to the retail shops during the forthcoming weeks.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe price of gooseberries is controlled during the period of pre-emption for jam manufacture. About 40 per cent. of the whole crop is required for this purpose and while manufacturers are drawing their supplies, which they began to do last Monday, the quantity available for the shops is heavily reduced. The distribution of soft fruit cannot be controlled by my Department because of its perishable nature and the wide fluctuations in supplies.