47. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will give an assurance that the effect of the Control (No. 2) Order, 1940, will not be to establish a monopoly for the large milling combines at the expense of the smaller corn dealers and feeding-stuffs mixers throughout the country?
§ Mr. BoothbyI am unable to see any justification for the suggestion made by my hon. Friend, and I can certainly give an assurance that the powers given in the Order will not be used for the purpose indicated.
Mr. De la BèreDoes not my hon. Friend realise that it is about time this great pretence came to an end? Is he aware that there are many thousands of small corn dealers and merchants who have been ruined as a result of the milling combines? Will he really go into this 211 matter thoroughly and give his assurance that he will go into it again and again until it is put right?
§ Mr. BoothbyI have already given my hon. Friend that assurance. With regard to this matter, there is no fear whatever that his apprehensions are justified.
52. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the manufacture of national compounds and mixtures, the manufacturing operation is to be exclusively carried out by the milling combines?
§ Mr. BoothbyNo, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to his Question on 11th July, in which I stated that the provisions of the Compound and Mixed Feeding-Stuffs (Control) (No. 2) Order applies to all sections of the trade alike.
Mr. De la BèreCan some statement or pamphlet be issued by the Minister of Food himself showing exactly who are entitled to carry out this work as distinct from the milling combines; and is my hon. Friend not aware that there is no safeguard that the small man will be allowed to do it?
§ Mr. BoothbyI am not aware of the suggestion in the latter part of the hon. Member's question, but I will consider the case.