HC Deb 16 May 1947 vol 437 c196W
Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food which fruits and vegetables are purchased in bulk by His Majesty's Government; and which of these are subject to an ad valorem duty or Purchase Tax.

Mr. Strachey

Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, apples and bananas but no vegetables are imported by the Ministry of Food. Of these, only lemons and oranges from non-Empire sources are subject to thead valorem import duty of 1O per cent., which is levied on lemons throughout the year and on oranges from 1st December to 31st March. There is no Purchase Tax on fruit or vegetables.