§ 46. Mr. Gallacherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the letter from the Cowdenbeath Co-operative Society, sent to him by the hon. Member for West Fife, drawing attention to the scarcity of essential commodities; and what steps does he propose to take to see that the Co-operative Society gets its full share of those commodities?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe letter in question refers to the representations from the Cowdenbeath Co-operative Society and other organisations in the West Fife coalfield on the necessity of increasing the allotment of beef and cheese available to miners. As regards meat, it is not possible to increase the present ration. As regards cheese, I would point out that supplies to the mining area of West Fife are above the average for the country as a whole but the possibility of improving distribution is being considered.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that there is very bitter complaint in many parts of the country about what is considered to be discrimination against Co-operative societies, and may I also ask whether the Government have given consideration to the proposals for good distribution which were published in the "Daily Worker" before its suppression?
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this allegation is quite unfounded?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am glad to have an opportunity of saying that there is not the slightest foundation whatever for these 153 complaints. The Co-operative societies get their full share of available supplies.