CITRUS FRUITS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24698, 29 August 1941, Page 2

CITRUS FRUITS

SCARCITY AND HIGH PRICES | INCREASED IMPORTS SUGGESTED (G.C.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 28. “.Citrus fruits are deader and scarcer* to-day, time in the history* of th£l Dominion,” said Mr W. A? Bodkin'(Opposition, Central Otago) ut the House of Representatives to-day;. 1 ■when the Imprest Supply Bill No. 2 was under discussion. “It is scarce all over the country, even in the north, where it can b« grown by anyone,” he said. . “ When fou begin to license an industry and when there is inefficiency among the growers, I admit t that problems will arise; but I-think * the Minister should :be ..able,. ;to do J. something. If there Is-a shortage, - more fruit should be imported.” The Minister of Marketing, Mr J. G. Barclay: The growers passed a vote of confidence in the Government’s policy. ' “I am speaking from the point of view of the consumer,” Mr Bodkin replied, “and from that point of view fruit is infinitely dearer as a result 3 of Government interference. I believe a case has been established for increased imports, ahd in the interests o of public health citrus fruit, should i; be made available to the public. The < South Island is dependent on imported supplies, and there is something radically wrong when fruit is so scarce and dear.”