§ 39. Mr. RENDALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what proportion of former supplies small sweet retailers are entitled to get from the wholesalers they deal with at the present time; is he aware that many small retailers are failing to get what they believe is their fair share of supplies, which they allege are going to the larger firms who deal wholesale and retail; and has the small retailer any remedy for this state of things?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe distribution of confectionery is not controlled, but, at the request of the Sugar Commission, the larger manufacturers have undertaken themselves to distribute their output as fairly as possible, and to bring pressure upon others to do the same. As I have already stated, the effect of the Sale of Sweetmeats (Restriction) Order will be to prevent those who deal in confectionery as a side line from doing so in future, and to pass all the available confectionery through the hands of the small retailers, and those mainly dependent on the trade, thus substantially increasing the amount received by them.