61. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the position of the members of a co-operative selling group of growers not registered under the Companies Act, 1929, when a share-out is made; and, in view of the uncertainty of the position, whether he will make a statement to assist the many co-operative selling groups registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, in order that they may be prevented from committing offences unwittingly?
§ Mr. MabaneI am not aware of any circumstances in which a co-operative society, distributing its surplus funds in accordance with its rules, would thereby be committing any offence relating to food, but if my hon. Friend has any special cases in mind, I shall be glad if he will let me have particulars for consideration in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mr. De la BèreIs not the Minister aware that the position is irregular at the present time and needs to be clarified? Is he not further aware that I have sent him particulars of two cases quite recently in this connection where grave breaches of the Regulations seem to have been committed?
§ Mr. MabaneI am aware particularly of one case which the hon. Member sent me, but it seems to be a case in which the funds were not being distributed in accordance with Rules which would be approved.
Mr. De la BèreDoes not the whole matter need to be gone into very carefully? The Government are here to do a job; let them get on with it.
§ Mr. MabaneIf the hon. Member will supply me with the particulars, we will get on with it.