67. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the introduction of the national feeding-stuffs campaign, he will give an assurance that there will be no discrimination against the small corn dealers and suppliers throughout the country, and that the entire profits derived from the manufacture and distribution of these feeding-stuffs will not be for the sole benefit of the milling combines?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Boothby)I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the Compound and Mixed Feeding Stuffs (Control) (No. 2) Order of 29th June, which prohibits after 15th July the manufacture or preparation for sale, except under licence, of any but a prescribed range of standard compounds and standard mixed feeding-stuffs. This Order applies to all sections of the trade alike, as does the Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order of 6th January, 1940, which controls margins of profit on the sale of feeding-stuffs.
Mr. De la BèreDo we understand from the answer that there will be no bias in favour of the milling combines? Is not my hon. Friend aware that it cannot be contended that the milling combines are the founders and sustainers of civilisation?
§ Mr. BoothbyI am not quite clear what my hon. Friend means when he talks of the milling combines. Perhaps he will explain to me after Questions.
§ Sir F. SandersonIs it not a fact that in any event the Government take 100 per cent. in Excess Profits Tax?
§ Mr. BoothbyI hope so.
§ Mr. W. RobertsHas not the margin allowed for combines' feeding-stuffs gone up from 30s. to 45s.?
§ Mr. BoothbyNo, I think my hon. Friend is misinformed. I will send him the precise figure.