§ 55. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Newcastle-on-Tyne Co-operative Society has about 40,000 members; is he aware that they have been short of flour by 340 sacks, and that the largest ships go up into the higher reaches of the Tyne; and, if so, will 1672 he see that the people of this area get a fair supply of flour?
§ Mr. PARKERThe Food Controller is not aware of any shortage of flour in Newcastle-on-Tyne. It is recognised, however, that anticipation of the recent advance in the retail price of flour led to an abnormal demand by customers in this part of the country who are to a large extent home-bakers. On inquiry the Food Controller is satisfied that all mills in the Northern and North-Eastern Areas, some of which are not at present working full time, have adequate supplies of wheat, and that any further demands for flour can be met.
§ Mr. WATERSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Shotton mill has been closed down for several hours a day owing to the lack of a full supply, and can he see his way to keep this mill going on three shifts in order to meet the requirements of the country?
§ Mr. SWANIs the hon. Member aware that other flour mills are suffering in the same way and that shareholders of a cooperative society are only getting 80 per cent. of the flour which they got before the War, and will he take steps to have this regulation removed?
§ Mr. PARKERI will bring the matter to the attention of the Food Controller.