asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest figure for the consumption a head per annum of fresh fruit in this country; and how this compares with the pre-war figures.

The consumption of fresh fruit in the United Kingdom is provisionally estimated at 70·1 lb. per head for 1957, compared with 78·5 lb. per head in the immediate pre-war years.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only is this country the only one in Europe showing a decrease in its consumption of fresh fruit, but that in a comparison with pre-war figures Switzerland and America are consuming two and a half times as much as they used to? In view of the health-giving properties of fresh fruit, what is his Department doing to encourage its consumption?

I have great sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman has said. I wish people would eat more fresh fruit. It would be much better for them, and better for our home producers, too.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the figures demonstrate the need for better marketing of fruit and vegetables?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have set up the Horticultural Marketing Advisory Council, which is studying these matters very carefully. I think there is a case for what the hon. Gentleman says.

Would my right hon. Friend consider allocating a certain proportion of the grant which he proposes to give to the horticultural industry to the National Farmers' Union for the purpose of publicising the value of English fruit? It is attempting to do it by voluntary effort, but it is not very successful.

I should not like to commit myself. I am discussing details of the new scheme with the National Farmers' Union. My broad view is that the more the industry can help itself in the selling of its own products the better it will be for the growers as well as the country.