Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food in view of the fact that growers of English asparagus- were restricted in the matter of planting during the late war 308W and that men from the Forces are anxious to take up the production of fruit and vegetables as a livelihood, he will consider removing the 5s. limit of charge for meals in hotels and restaurants when asparagus is served, or allowing asparagus to be served as a separate dish so as to provide a market at a reasonable profit for the home growers.
§ Mr. StracheyI am not prepared to allow it to be served as an extra dish nor to raise the maximum price of 5s. for meals which include asparagus.
Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether he will now restrict imports of foreign asparagus, in view of the fact that our home product is ready and available in sufficient quantities to meet the public demand.
§ Mr. StracheyOur total supplies of asparagus at present, including the imported, are less than prewar and the demand is still very keen. I am not, therefore, prepared to restrict imports, especially as the bulk come from France, where the season is nearly at an end.