HC Deb 15 May 1918 vol 106 cc352-4
72. Colonel THORNE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the profit allowed by method of rebate earned by the distribution of tea by the Maypole Dairy Company, Limited; whether it is the intention of the Ministry of Food to reduce the rebate allowed to these and similar trading companies; and, if so, by what amount?

Mr. CLYNES

The rebate allowed to the Maypole Dairy Company and similar companies on their retail sales of tea was calculated not to produce profit for those firms, but to meet certain expenses of buying. It is not at present proposed to reduce this rebate, but the question is being further examined.

73. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether arrangements have been made to supply co-operative wholesale societies with additional supplies of tea to the extent of 50 per cent. of their datum period purchase; and, if so, whether similar arrangements will be made with other traders?

Mr. CLYNES

I may refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Islington.

Mr. HOUSTON

Can the hon. Gentleman give a definite assurance that exactly similar terms will be granted to traders and co-operative societies?

Mr. CLYNES

The change was designed to make the position of private traders and co-operators equitable, so that that assurance can be given.

Mr. LOUGH

Will the hon. Gentleman say if this allowance was made to meet the extra demand made for tea by co-operative societies, and will he give a similar allowance to other distributors who are not co-operative societies?

Mr. CLYNES

Other distributors receive their allowance on the basis of their registered customers, or on the trade as certified, and the change made has been designed to meet the great increase in the co-operative membership.

Mr. LOUGH

Yes, but where similar increase has taken place with traders who are not co-operative societies, will the same concession be made?

Mr. CLYNES

Yes, an assurance can be given to that effect.