§ 118 and 119. Mr. Bossomasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will see that sufficient paper is provided for the packing of fruit, to enable British packing to equal in quality that of imported fruit;
(2) if he will see that sufficient wood, fibreboard, cardboard or equally satisfactory substitute be made available to British horticulturists, to enable them to pack fruit as well as the foreigners whose fruit is now being imported into this Country.
§ Mr. RhodesMy right hon. Friend is in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on the question of packaging for fruit and other horticultural products. There is, however, a shortage of all packaging materials required for this purpose and there are certain essential requirements, such as those for defence and dollar exports, to which the highest priority must be given in distributing available supplies. In view of uncertainties about the future supply position, I am afraid it is not possible to give assurances as definite as the hon. Member seeks.