asked the Minister of Food (1) why the Maximum Prices Order for edible nuts in shell was withdrawn in July, 1947; and whether he intends to reimpose the Order in respect of the stocks at present held is Department;

(2) what stocks of edible nuts in shell are at present held by his Department; when, and at what average f.o.b. price they were purchased; and by what method he intends to secure their distribution to the public;

(3) whether there will be any further imports of edible nuts in shell on either public or private account before Christmas.

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of edible nuts in shell his Department has for disposal; what considerations have prompted the decision to sell these nuts by public auction; and whether he is satisfied that this method of disposal will give good distribution, and that the price of these nuts will be at a reasonable level for consumers.

My Department holds about 3,500 tons of nuts in shell, bought at varying prices. I am satisfied that, in the absence of a complete control scheme with prices fixed at all stages, the disposal of these nuts by public auction will be in the public interest, and will ensure rapid and wide distribution. The Maximum Prices Order was withdrawn with the object of making it easier to distribute an expected increase in supplies. There, will be no further imports on Ministry account before Christmas, but there may be some chestnuts bought by private traders before 13th October, although for the time being private imports are suspended. I hope that further supplies will soon be forthcoming.

Is it not a fact that since the Minister holds a monopoly of these nuts, the prices realised at the auction are likely to be extremely high, with the result that the retail prices charged to the public will also be very high and beyond the reach of all except the wealthy in the community?

That depends on whether we can arrange for further substantial imports.

Why cannot these nuts be sold through the trade at a controlled price?

It is possible, of course, to extend controls indefinitely, but I did not know that the hon. and gallant Gentleman was such an enthusiast for controls. In this case, we considered that, on the whole, it was better to leave the price decontrolled, but I am quite willing to reconsider the matter.

Has the Minister considered the representations made to him by the trade for the economical and efficient distribution of these nuts at a reasonable price?

Since the hon. Member has raised that question, I would tell the House that the main representation from the trade was that on no account were any new traders to be allowed to enter the field, and that we were unable to agree to that.