HC Deb 21 October 1941 vol 374 cc1618-9
39. Mr. Wootton-Davies

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is his intention to continue to charge manufacturers for materials used in production of soap for Government contracts £4 per ton more than they charge for civilian requirements?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

There is no difference in the prices charged by my Department for oils and fats used for soap for Government contracts and those used for soap for civilian requirements.

Mr. Wootton-Davies

If I send my right hon. and gallant Friend particulars of cases where soapmakers are charged £4 extra per ton for materials used for Government contracts, will he look into them?

Major Lloyd George

I have had information about the sort of case my hon. Friend has in mind. It is an arrangement made among the members of the Soap Makers' Federation themselves.

Mr. Wootton-Davies

Is it not a fact that materials used for Government contracts cost £4 a ton more than those used for other contracts?

Major Lloyd George

It is a very complicated question, and I can explain to my hon. Friend the procedure adopted by the Soap Makers' Federation.