EXPORT FRUIT POSITION.

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 142, 20 June 1927, Page 11

EXPORT FRUIT POSITION.

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) . LONDON, 18th June. Apple prices continue satisfactory, and the season now drawing to «clo«e appears likely to show very satisfactory results. American apples continue to arrive, but the market can absorb all that come, for our soft fruit season has been a poor one. Strawberries, usually cheap and plentiful in mid-June, are very scarce, and not obtainable even from costermongers' barrowi under a shilling a pound, instead of the .usual price of sixpence.' Cherries and other small fruits are also scarce and dear. The competition of American apples has been leas acute than in some previous years, but still imports have been considerable.

Some Covent Garden importers are therefore considering whether it would be possible to induce the Government to prohibit the sale and importation of Americans during April, May, and . June. They point out that the whole American crop is gathered in by October, and large quantities are placed in cold store in order to supply Britain practically for the whole year. It is suggested, that it would not be a great hardship if the Americans were compelled, to market their apples during the nine months from July to March, leaving Empire. fruits a clear market during April, May, and June. The proposers of this plan recognise it may be difficult for ■ the Government to enforce prohibition, but representation in that connection are being made to the Empire Marketing Board. ■ . - ,'