§ 55. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, when framing Regulations, he will take care not to penalise small traders and producers and not subsidise and encourage large trading concerns and organisations; and whether he will reconsider many of his existing Regulations with this end in view?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is "Yes, Sir." The considerations mentioned have always been borne in mind by my Department. The latter part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, whatever his Minister may say, the effect of many Regulations lately has been to penalise the small trader and to subsidise the big man at the expense of the small man?
§ Mr. MabaneI should find it difficult to accept that view. My Noble Friend's object has always been to secure that the small man has a fair, adequate and proper share of the distributive trade of the country.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhat about the new milk Regulations?