§ 34. Mr. W. NICHOLSONasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that at the market held at petersfield on the 16th October four draft dairy cows were sold at auction for £2 each after having been placed in the fourth grade; whether the purchaser was charged a duty of £20 8s. on the four cows by the Food Control Office, a tax of 250 per cent. on his purchase; and whether he can state by what authority this tax was imposed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Major Astor)The circumstances mentioned in the first part of the question are substantially 3340 correct. The auctioneer appears to have disregarded the instructions of the Ministry of Food with reference to the sale of fourth-grade boasts. He has been warned that if such a mistake recurs his licence will be withdrawn. The amount referred to in the second part of the question represents the per-head charge imposed under the Live Stock (Sales) Order. This charge covers the increased price to the farmer, slaughtering, market toll equalisation of costs for various descriptions of home and imported meat, and other administrative charges and expenses of transport and distribution generally. This charge is, for administrative reasons, a flat rate on all beasts, irrespective of grade, and it is necessary in order to enable all meat to be sold at a flat rate throughout the Kingdom.
§ Mr. WATTHas the Department of the right hon. Gentleman not dismissed this man, who acted as the agent of the Department?
§ Major ASTORNo, Sir; he has been severely cautioned.