43. Mrs. Manningasked the Minister of Food whether the Report of the Committee on the Marketing of Fruit and 173W Vegetables is yet ready; and if it will be published.
§ Mr. StracheyI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the Fruit and Vegetables Organisation whose first Report has been received by myself and my colleagues. The implications of this Report are now being studied by the Government and no decision has yet been taken whether to publish it. In the meantime the Fruit and Vegetables Organisation is continuing with its practical work such as the container recovery service about which I told my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Collins) on 23rd of this month.
§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Food what are the functions of the Fruit and Vegetables (Marketing and Distribution) Organisation; and if he is satisfied that its functioning will help the consumer to obtain increased supplies at lower prices.
§ Mr. StracheyThe functions of the Fruit and Vegetables (Marketing and Distribution) Organisation are to seek and promote improvements of the marketing and distribution of fruit and vegetables. The Organisation's terms of reference were given in column 261 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for 7th November last. One of the main objectives of the Organisation is to help the consumer to obtain increased supplies at lower prices.