§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he took, other than contacting the importers concerned, to ascertain that the reasons for the rise in the wholesale price of Outspan oranges from 17s. per case to 32s. to 33s. per case between September and October was due to seasonal shortage of supplies; whether he is aware that there were large stocks of these oranges in the country when these increases were made; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoyThe reply which I gave to my hon. Friend's Question on 2nd November was based on informal consultations with the trade as well as with the importers directly concerned. My information does not suggest that there were large stocks of these particular oranges when the price rose.—[Vol. 735, c.87.]