§ 56. Mr. Bellengerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement on the attitude of His Majesty's 665 Government towards the policy being carried out by the Millers Mutual Association to organise the whole of the flour-milling industry in this country; and what proportion of the owners of the flour mills are at present members of this association?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Euan Wallace)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that the policy so far pursued by this association since its establishment in 1929 has been prejudicial to the interests of the milling industry or of consumers. I am informed that the production of the members of the association accounts for about 80 per cent. of the total United Kingdom production of flour.
§ Mr. BellengerIs the Minister aware that if the intention of this organisation is successful it will mean a monopoly in private hands of the people's food?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWhen this cast-iron monopoly has been built up, will the Minister tell the House what safeguard the consumer will have against exploitation?
§ Captain WallacePerhaps the hon. Member will put down any further question on the subject.
§ Sir P. HarrisIs this an association to fix prices?