§ 49. Mr. Flemingasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that certain food retailers are refusing to sell certain commodities, 1063 namely, sugar, unless the customer purchases some other article, namely, tea; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Cardiff, East (Mr. Temple Morris) in which I stated that the Food (Conditions of Sale) Order makes conditional sales of the kind indicated in the question an offence against the Defence Regulations. If my hon. and learned Friend will furnish me with particulars of any cases brought to his notice, I will be very glad to make inquiries.
§ Mr. FlemingCan the Minister tell us whether any prosecutions have been undertaken against anybody in regard to this particular offence, because I have had complaints not only from my own division but from the part of London, Richmond, where I live?
§ Mr. MorrisonThere have been some complaints of this nature and if the hon. and learned Member has any specific case to bring to my notice, I will see that appropriate action is taken.
§ Mr. FlemingIs the Minister aware that this particular type of offence hits very hard the old age pensioners who cannot afford to buy these things in large quantities and their opportunities of dealing with certain shops are curtailed?