§ Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the f.o.b. price per case of sweet oranges from Jamaica is 17s.; that the approximate total cost delivered to market, including insurance, freight and handling charges, is approximately 25s. 4d.; that his Department's price to the United Kingdom wholesaler is 41s., representing a profit to his Department of approximately 15s. 7d. or 61 per cent.; and on what grounds he justifies this high price to the consumer in this country bearing in mind that the producers receive only 6s. per package.
§ Mr. StracheyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 25th June.