§ 62. Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to complaints received from Ealing and other areas, particularly in the Western suburbs of London, with regard to the activities of a company primarily engaged in the wholesale bakery business, who have intensively canvassed these areas, already adequately served by established firms holding licences for food distribution, and by such canvassing and wide distribution of sample loaves have caused considerable dislocation of organisation and waste of vital foodstuffs which are the subject of Government subsidy; and whether he will take steps to put an end to practices of this kind?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am informed that in normal times bakers and bakers' roundsmen seeking business not uncommonly distribute free samples of bread. Owing to the possibility of waste, I have already secured an undertaking from the London Bakers Advisory Committee that the distribution of, free samples will not be condoned during the war, and I have reason to believe that the committee's wishes have been generally accepted in the trade. If my hon. Friend can inform me of departures from this undertaking, I shall be glad to investigate them.
§ Sir F. SandersonIs my hon. Friend aware that the method of working the business has been to occupy empty garages, to bring the bread in bulk from 1987 Hayes, and then to distribute it locally by means of barrows? Does he not regard that as a very unfair form of competition against the local bakery trade, and will he take immediate steps to confirm the action of the local food control committee in withdrawing the licence to trade in this case?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think that if my hon. Friend will read the answer, he will see that it gives a full reply.