§ 57. Mr. J. Morganasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he intends to fix one standard quality and price for margarine; and can he state the grounds for such a decision?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonAll the margarine now being produced is of a standard quality and is being retailed at a standard price of 6d. per lb. Owing to the shortage of butter, it was necessary to increase the output of margarine. The adoption of a standard quality promotes rapid and efficient production and distribution of a good quality article at a reasonable price. I am, however, giving the matter further consideration in the light of existing circumstances.
§ Mr. MorganWill this be the quality of margarine that the Minister has in mind for rationing, and will the effect be to raise the price to the poorest people from 4d. to 6d.?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs I said at the end of my answer, I am giving this matter further consideration.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderMay I ask the Minister not to be led entirely by those who are influenced mainly by advertising revenue?
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs there any reason why the only standard should be the standard of the co-operative societies?
§ Mr. AlexanderWill the Minister bear in mind that that interruption is entirely irrelevant, because the standard imposed by the Government is the Government's standard and the standard of no one else?
§ Mr. MorganHow can this margarine be co-operative margarine if the Van den Bergh interests are controlling the price?