HC Deb 09 July 1953 vol 517 cc99-100W
8. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he will take, and what arrangements he will make, with other Departments to deal with problems which may arise from any possible glut of plums and damsons this year to ensure that there may be no undue waste of this fruit.

Sir T. Dugdale

Preliminary reports indicate that the plum and damson crop will probably be less than half of last year's and there is unlikely to be any undue waste of good quality fruit. There should be sufficient sugar and tin plate available to allow jam manufacturers and other processors to make use of all the fruit they require. For the housewife there will be better supplies of sugar as announced by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food on 6th July.