HC Deb 14 February 1940 vol 357 cc767-8
67. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Food whether, since the omission of manufactured feeding-stuffs or mixtures from the Feeding-Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order has led to profiteering on an extensive scale, he will take immediate steps to have a maximum price fixed for these commodities, or, alternatively, a maximum charge fixed for the cost of manufacture?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

On present information I cannot accept the statement made in the first part of the Question, but I am having inquiries made into the cases that my hon. Friend has referred to me. With regard to the second part of the Question, there are difficulties, owing to the variety of the products, in the way of fixing maximum prices for them, but the matter is already under investigation. I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to Article 3 of the Feeding-Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order dated 6th January, 1940, which limits the charges which may be added by the manufacturer, and to Article 14 of the same Order which gives the buyer the right to demand particulars of the additional charges.

Dr. Little

Will my right hon. Friend have inquiries made into the sale of these mixed feeding-stuffs, and where he finds there is profiteering, will he put it down with a strong hand as we are suffering terribly from this in Northern Ireland at the present time?

Mr. Morrison

I am examining these cases.

Mr. De la Bère

Can my right hon. Friend make inquiries as to what is happening at the port mills to the straight-run feeding-stuffs as a result of the rascally manoeuvres of the milling combines?

68. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the serious complaints of farmers, pig and poultry producers in Northern Ireland as to the continued and severely-felt shortage of feeding-stuffs, Northern Ireland is now receiving its full quota of 66 per cent. of its pre-war allowance?

Mr. Morrison

Owing to unforeseen shipping delays the quantity of imported cereal feeding-stuffs which arrived in Northern Ireland during January was considerably less than 66 per cent. of the normal, but arrivals since the end of the month will make good the deficiency for January, and steps are being taken to ensure the supply of the full quota for February.