HC Deb 28 February 1939 vol 344 cc1055-7
11. Mr. De la Bère

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government are taking to adjust the balance between producer and consumer, which has been upset by the buying policy adopted by the milling combines?

Mr. Stanley

I am not aware that the buying policy of the large millers has upset the balance between producer and consumer, and see no reason why the Government should intervene.

Mr. De la Bère

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the provision made under the first report of the Royal Commission in 1925 on food prices as to the known existence of price-fixing associations? Why have not the Food Council inquired into this, and does he still stick to it that there is nothing to inquire into?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir.

Mr. T. Williams

Have the consumers of offals made any representations to the right hon. Gentleman's Department, and, if so, what steps have been taken to ascertain whether or not the charges levelled against the millers are correct?

Mr. Stanley

As to whether they have made representations, perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question, but, of course, I have been questioned on this matter, and it has been raised several times on the Adjournment, and I have given reasons why I consider the price of offals is governed by world prices.

Mr. Williams

What steps were taken to ascertain the point of view which the right hon. Gentleman has expressed before the House?

Mr. Stanley

The price of offals is largely governed by world prices.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that no steps were taken at all by the Board of Trade because they did not want an inquiry into this matter?

Mr. Stanley

The price of offals is largely governed by the world price of feeding stuffs.

32. Mr. De la Bère

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the powers and jurisdiction of the Food Council in connection with the milling industry enable them adequately to prevent and safeguard the public against abuses?

Mr. Stanley

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary explained in the Debate on the Consumers' Council Bill on 10th February, I do not consider that the Food Council requires further powers to enable it to safeguard the public interest as regards products which fall within its province.

Mr. De la Bère

Can my right hon. Friend tell us why the Food Council have not intervened in view of the widespread dissatisfaction about this matter?

Mr. Stanley

One of the reasons, of course, is that offal is not considered a food and does not come within their purview.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Has the milling industry now become Public Enemy No. 1 instead of the B.B.C.?

45. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the quota of approximately 6s. per sack paid on flour and which the consumer is called upon to pay by the increased price of bread, he will consider introducing legislation to provide for additional taxation on the profits of the milling combines, seeing that at present they make no contribution in this respect?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Euan Wallace)

No, Sir. The profits of all businesses are chargeable to income tax and National Defence Contribution and my right hon. Friend can see no good reason for singling out a particular industry for additional taxation on its profits.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that flour is a national necessity, and why should it be exploited by certain monopolists who make enormous profits?