65. Major BARNESasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the unfair position in which the retail trader has been placed by the increase of the price of flour, as the wholesaler is allowed to collect cash at the increased price as from the 15th March, 1920, whilst the retailer has to sell at the old maximum price and will only be recompensed by credit note?
§ 70. Mr. HURDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a retailer has to advance money for the increased price of flour under the Order which came into force on 15th March, and has to await reimbursement at some future date by a system of credit notes instead of cash; if he will say who is to pay for the services of the professional accountant whom the trader is compelled to call in to certify his statement of stocks; and whether he will devise some simpler method of carrying out this policy?
§ Mr. PARKERThe Food Controller cannot agree that the Order referred to has placed retailers of bread and flour in an unfair position as compared with whole- 251 salers. The latter are required to pay to the Government forthwith the difference of 19s 3d. per 280 lbs. between the old and the new wholesale prices, whereas the former will continue to sell flour and bread at the current maximum retail prices, but will be compensated at the end of the flour week period on any stocks of flour purchased at the increased wholesale price. The method of compensation by credit in the books of the supplier was devised after very careful consideration, and is regarded as essential for the adequate protection both of the Treasury and the consumer. As traders' accounts may be certified by a responsible householder no expense need necessarily be incurred in this connection.
§ Mr. PARKERI presume that is the opinion of the Department.