HC Deb 01 December 1943 vol 395 cc354-5
48. Mr. Liddall

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that in the area of the Warsop Food Control Committee his Department announced on 8th October, 1943, that in consequence of a change of ownership persons registered with Mrs. A. Chamberlain, Assarts Farm, Welbeck Colliery village, for milk would have their registrations automatically transferred to the new proprietor, Mr. B. W. Maddison, Castelle, Sherwood Street, Warsop; that consumers affected who could prove that they were members of a co-operative society could have their registrations transferred to the co-operative society delivering milk in the area, but that no other transfers of milk registrations would be allowed; and why local food committees are permitted to make such a differentiation?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)

Yes, Sir. An announcement in the terms described was published in the Warsop Food Area and was in accordance with instructions issued by my Department. In cases of changes of ownership of retail milk businesses in areas where a scheme of rationalisation is in force certain transfers of consumer registrations may be made. When a private trader sells his retail milk business to another private trader the registrations held by the seller are automatically transferred to the buyer with the exception of those consumers who can prove that they are members of a co-operative society and who wish to obtain milk from a society delivering in the area. The advertisement referred to was in accordance with this arrangement. Similarly in cases where a co-operative society purchases a private trader's business, consumers who are not members of a co-operative society are permitted to have their registrations transferred to a private dairyman distributing in accordance with the rationalisation scheme.

Mr. Liddall

Are we to take it that henceforth it is the considered policy of the Ministry of Food that no other transfers of milk shall be allowed but to the co-operative society?

Mr. Mabane

The hon. Gentleman may take it that the considered policy of the Department is as indicated in the reply.