§ 72. Mr. Jacksonasked the Minister of Food how many complaints he has received of excessive charges for mixed animal feeding-stuffs; whether any of these complaints have been passed on to the Prices Tribunal; and whether he has had any complaints as to the quality of feeding-stuffs supplied?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The prices of feeding-stuffs are governed by the Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order of 6th January. The number of complaints of excessive charges for mixed animal feeding-stuffs received by my Department is 144. Investigation has shown that there is no evidence of a breach of the Order in 111 of these cases; the remaining 33 cases are still under investigation. The answer to the second part of the hon. Member's Question is in the negative. In answer to the last part, a certain number of complaints have been received as to the quality of feeding-stuffs supplied.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWill the right hon. Gentleman state how he ensures the observance of the maximum price Order, and exactly what steps are taken to ascertain that the proper mixture is embodied in the feeding-stuffs?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe cost of the ingredients of compound feeding-stuffs is dealt with in the Order, and the appropriate steps are taken to discover whether or not a breach of the Order has been created by the charge made for any compounds?
§ Mr. WilliamsWhat are the appropriate steps?
§ Mr. MorrisonAn investigation into the matter.
Mr. De la BèreIs not there a simple remedy—to compel the milling combines to supply straight run feeding-stuffs? Why are the Government so frightened of displeasing them?