§ 59. Mr. T. Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that some manufacturers of confectionery are opposed to the proposal to control confectionery at various prices from 4d. to Is. per quarter, and believe that many varieties should be cut out, and the public offered a wholesome article at the lowest possible price; and will he take steps to ensure this?
Major Lloyd GeorgeComprehensive proposals for controlling the price of confectionery have been formulated and are receiving consideration. I understand that a large reduction in varieties has already been made and that further simplification may be possible. The Ministry control the production by categories and in practice the great bulk of production is in the cheaper categories.
§ Mr. SmithAm I right in assuming that 15 different prices have been suggested, and is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the better class of confectionery is usually kept under the counter for special customers? Would it not be better to cut out many of these fancy varieties and let the public have a decent, wholesome commodity at a reasonable price?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI think my hon. Friend will find, as a result of the reorganisation which is taking place, that the number of categories will be very much reduced and that a very large proportion of chocolate confectionery manufactured will be in the cheaper grades.