§ 55. Major Procterasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in the concentration of the soft drinks industry, he will ensure that a proportion of the members of the totally closed firms are appointed to the committee?
§ Mr. MabaneI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Putney (Mr. Linstead) and the hon. Member for South-East St. Pancras (Sir A. Beit) on 24th February and 3rd March respectively.
§ 56. Major Procterasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will ensure that the committee of the Soft Drinks War Time Association is elected by secret ballot, on the basis of one firm one vote?
§ Mr. MabaneMy Noble Friend has received proposals for the reconstitution of the committee submitted in accordance with the articles of association of the War Time Association. He is considering these proposals together with the representations which he has received from the recognised trade associations in the industry and otherwise, and his decision will be given in due course.
§ Major ProcterIs my hon. Friend aware that if on the committee, which is deciding the manner in which this industry is to be carried on, suggestions are put forward by the big men, will it not give the small men no chance of having their voices heard or their businesses saved after the war?
§ Mr. MabaneMy hon. Friend can rely on my Noble Friend preventing anything of that kind happening.