§ 43. Sir Reginald Clarryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that Newport bakers, with the latest restrictions of petrol, are finding difficulty in delivering bread within the limits of the borough, whilst at the same time certain bakers in neighbouring towns 12 and 20 miles distant are able to deliver both in their own areas and compete with Newport bakers in Newport; and will he consider making an Order compelling purchasers of bread to register with one supplier, without quantity restriction, and so avoid unnecessary competition amongst bakers and save both bread and transport?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)Except in isolated cases which are at present under consideration, Newport bakers have not lodged complaints about the inadequacy of their petrol supplies. If my hon. Friend cares to send me particulars of bread rounds that have had to be unreasonably curtailed for the reason he mentions I shall be glad to consider them. My Noble Friend sees no reason for adopting the course suggested in the last part of the Question
§ Sir R. ClarryWill not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree, from the correspondence I sent him a week or two ago, that there is some cause of complaint and considerable scope for economy?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not know that I can altogether agree with my hon. Friend that there is cause for complaint, because the supply of bread in Newport, as far as I can ascertain, is the same as in the last 15 years, and people delivering outside get no preferential treatment over those inside.
§ Sir R. ClarryBut how are some bakers able to deliver bread from 20 miles away whereas Newport bakers cannot deliver even within their own area?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have said that if my hon. Friend will give me examples I will go into them. One or two cases are already under investigation, but, speaking generally, we have had no complaints from Newport bakers.