HC Deb 03 December 1941 vol 376 c1135
55. Mr. Mander

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food upon what grounds multiple retail-food businesses are permitted to take both wholesale and retail profits on butter and cheese; whether he is aware that this concession is unfair to smaller traders and is frequently exploited at the periods of consumer re-registration; and whether he will withdraw that privilege in favour of such a system of prices graduated according to services as operates in the case of bacon and other rationed foods?

Major Lloyd George

Under the distribution arrangements for most rationed foods, including butter and cheese, traders who in peace-time bought at first-hand prices may continue to do so. I have no evidence that these arrangements act to the detriment of small traders.