HC Deb 20 March 1940 vol 358 c1984
59. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Food whether, with a view to expediting the problems and difficulties in connection with the distribution of feeding-stuffs throughout the country and separating the control which still continues to be exercised by the leaders of the milling combines, the Government will consider acquiring immediately these undertakings?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not think that the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would facilitate the distribution of feeding-stuffs.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my hon. Friend aware that the matter cannot be lightly dismissed, that indeed it cannot be dismissed at all; and is he further aware that one central and vital fact remains, that you will never get the feeding-stuffs problem solved as long as the milling combines remain under their present control?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I would point out to my hon. Friend that they are not under their own control, but that under the Order they are under the control of the Ministry of Food. Any change such as my hon. Friend suggests would substitute for management by people who know the job, management by officials who do not.

Mr. De la Bère

Will the Ministry of Food really control these people? It is an absolute scandal.