68. Mr. A. RICHARDSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that there are at the present time millions of packets of peas, weighing 16 ozs., 14 ozs., 12 ozs., 10 ozs., 9 ozs., and 8 ozs., respectively, in the hands of small shopkeepers; that the Food Controller has issued an Order that these peas are to be sold at 9d. per pound; and that it is impossible for the small shopkeeper to carry out this Order on account of the varying weights; and, seeing that it is now the end of the pea season, will he postpone the operation of this Order to the first week in September, when the new peas come on the market, and thus prevent confusion and friction amongst the people who are affected by this Order?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)Representations oh the point raised in this question have been received from the various trade associations concerned, and arrangements are being made to confer with these associations immediately.
Mr. RICHARDSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in similar circumstances, when the Order to sell tea net weight was made, two months' grace wag given in order to clear out the then packets of tea which were gross weight, and can he see his way to extend the same course to the packets of peas?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI will convey what the hon. Gentleman says to the Minister of Food.