APPLE PRICES.

Evening Star, Issue 24285, 28 August 1942, Page 4

APPLE PRICES.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —I was amazed on recently entering the apple market to find that the price of “ Granny Smiths ” was 13s 6d a case. Could you kindly enlighten me on the following points;—(l) In view of the fact that the price paid to the grower is reputedly 5s to 6s a case, how does the Government justify the difference between price to grower and price to consumer? (2) How does this high price conform to the Government’s professed concern for the family man, who surely cannot hope to buy apples for toddlers and babies at this figure? The answer may be to buy some cheaper variety, but this loses point because there is little else offering in the cooking line. (3) How can this price level bo reconciled with the “ eat more apples ” campaign which, by brilliant poster and fanfare of radio trumpeting, was recently launched upon the public? The Government in the campaign laid emphasis upon the health-giving benefits of apples, and indeed appeared to justify its campaign on this health factor —certainly a laudable undertaking. But has the scene now changed? Have the considerations which prompted the campaign suddenly lost favour in the Government’s eyes? If not, then why the soaring cost of apples? The position is, of course, aggravated by the scarcity of oranges, which must from now on disappear from our shops.—l am, etc., Family Man. August 28.