§ 81. Mr. Dolandasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the difference between the buying and selling prices that is being allowed to wholesale distributors of canned fish is less than the average wholesale distributors' expenses; and whether he will look into this Regulation with a view of at least increasing such margin to cover the expenses of distribution?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe margin allowed to wholesale distributors of canned fish was arrived at after a full investigation of wholesalers' costs by the costings Department of this Ministry, and 314 I am satisfied that, on the average, the margin of 3s. 6d. per case allowed to the wholesaler, which is applicable to all varieties of canned fish now imported by the Ministry, is adequate. All margins are subject to review in the light of experience and, if the wholesalers are able to substantiate the statement that their average expenses are in excess of the margin allowed, I can promise a speedy review.