§ 30. Sir R. Clarryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the unfair discrimination operating against Newport bakers by restricting them to a delivery of three days per week in the new delivery order, whilst permitting wholesale deliveries every day in the week to retail shops by bakers from neighbouring towns; that the local rate-paying bakers can themselves supply the whole of Newport's bread requirements, and by so doing effect economy in the use of petrol and man-power occasioned by deliveries of bread made 12 to 30 miles away from the point of consumption; and whether he will reconsider the situation?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)Bakers in Cardiff and elsewhere have voluntarily limited retail deliveries to alternate days for many months past, and I am satisfied that the Ministry's Order will not cause hardship to traders 506 in Newport who are now required to adopt similar measures. A scheme for the limitation of inter-town deliveries in South Wales by wholesale is at present under consideration.
§ Sir R. ClarryWill my hon. and gallant Friend admit that there is a discrimination against the local bakeries in this matter which is both wasteful and not in the interest of the consumer?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot accept that, because in many towns already the bakeries themselves have entered into these arrangements and are extremely satisfied with their success.
§ Sir R. ClarryThey have not in this particular town.