Written Answers To Questions
German And Italian Aircraft Losses
asked the Secretary of State for Air the total losses of German military aircraft on all fronts since the beginning of the war.
Official communiqués have not attempted to give figures of enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground, nor have they always differentiated between German and Italian aircraft losses. Subject to these qualifications, and excluding aircraft destroyed by the Soviet forces, the number of German and Italian aircraft destroyed in the air by British, American and other Allied forces since the beginning of the war is about 26,000.
Food Supplies
Strawberries
asked the Minister of Food if he has given consideration to the resolution of the Clowne Food Committee, sent to Area Officer, Market Intelligence Branch, The Park, Nottingham, complaining of the absence of strawberries in the shops in this particular area when last season's crop was gathered, in view of the fact that many acres are devoted to this class of cultivation and the retailers are only able to obtain negligible quantities from the distributors; and will he see to it that a more equitable distribution is arranged.
The major part of the soft fruit crop, including strawberries, is diverted to jam manufacturers. Controlled distribution of the small quantity of strawberries available for consumption as fresh fruit is impracticable.
Raspberries And Cultivated Blackberries
asked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the forthcoming soft fruit prices for this season and having regard to the rise in the cost of production, he will consider agreeing to an increase over last year's prices of 2d. per lb. to the grower for raspberries and cultivated blackberries.
No, Sir. An Order has been made and will become operative on 16th May, fixing the price of raspberries at 74s. 8d. per cwt. and cultivated blackberries at 51s. 4d. per cwt.
Office Appliances (Disposal)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to see that in the matter of disposals of office appliances his Department will ensure that specific representation will be afforded to wholesalers and retailers as well as manufacturers.
Yes, Sir. My Department will be glad to receive representations from any wholesale or retail organisation interested in this matter.