Traders at Wolverhampton wholesale market reports business is being carried on as usual.

In the words of Mr Harry Goodall: "Prices of greengrocery from abroad have soared skyhigh.

"This is not due to any shortage," Mr Goodall explained. "There is plenty of stuff but we cannot get it over. Our own ships are not available, and countries like Holland and Belgium have only small ships in which to bring it over."

The freightage question is also reponsible for the sudden rise in the price of oranges.

Crates of 288 were changing hands at 18s and 19s on Saturday, the price this morning being 22s to 24s.