§ 78. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Food what is the quantity of onions for which firm sales have already been effected and which will be imported into this country from Holland; and what proportion of those onions will be landed in Boston, Lincs.
§ Dr. SummerskillOnions are imported by the trade and the Dutch authorities have estimated that the firm sales made for supplies to be shipped during the next fortnight will be about 10,000 tons. I cannot say what quantity will be shipped to any particular port.
84. Lieut. - Colonel Clifton - Brownasked the Minister of Food what is the 6W extent of the partial importation of onions he is permitting between 15th and 30th November; and if he is satisfied that these importations at a price below the maximum wholesale price for English onions will not result in the English growers still being unable to dispose of their stocks.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe extent of the partial importation of onions cannot be reliably estimated but the arrangements made with the Dutch authorities will considerably reduce the quantities that would otherwise have been shipped during the next four weeks and will greatly assist English growers. Onion prices are not now controlled and there is no maximum wholesale price for English onions. Imported onions have, of course, to bear duty and freight charges.