Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 31 October 1949.
Sir Waldron Smithers
, Orpington
12:00,
31 October 1949
asked the Minister of Food if he has considered the details which have been sent him about the inability of Mr. Foreman of Skeet Hill, Chelsfield, to sell his fruit owing to heavy imports of foreign fruit; and if he will co-operate with the Minister of Agriculture with a view to ending the import of foreign fruit while British fruit remains unsold.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
I have considered this complaint, but have been given no evidence to show that imports have prevented the satisfactory marketing of good quality home-grown fruit.
Sir Waldron Smithers
, Orpington
Is the right hon. Lady aware that I have sent her Department further evidence that English fruit is being thrown away. In my Division tons of pears are unsaleable, while foreign fruit is still being imported.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
I carefully read the letter from Mr. Foreman and made careful inquiries. Mr. Foreman disposed of all his first-class pears at a price satisfactory to himself, and the only apples he is unable to get rid of are second-quality apples.
Mr Alfred Bossom
, Maidstone
Why did the Ministry allow three times as many pears to be imported from Italy as were imported under the original agreement?
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question on the Order Paper.
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