HC Deb 08 December 1943 vol 395 cc971-3
50. Major York

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the co-operative societies have shown their disapproval of the self-wholesaling allowance; that one of the trade advisers in milk to his Department has stated that this allowance discriminates in favour of large firms against small milk distributors and that unfavourable comment has come from all sections of the trade; and, in view of the waste of public money on firms who do not require it, will he undertake to review the milk price structure in order to eliminate this subsidy?

Mr. Mabane

I am not aware of the circumstances to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. All distributive margins, including the self-wholesaling allowances, are fixed to meet costs actually incurred and I could not accept the suggestions in the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question.

Major York

In view of the fact that the Co-operative Society has shown that these self-wholesaling allowances are unnecessary, is it not a waste of public money that the allowances should be paid to the co-operative societies?

Mr. Barnes

Is it not a fact that this margin is given to cover certain expenses, and that the co-operative societies do not favour the cancellation of that margin; and is it not also a fact that they prefer that this margin should be given for pasteurisation to all traders who perform that service rather than that it should be on its present basis?

Mr. Mabane

I thought that that was so, and I think it confirms my view that my hon. and gallant Friend was misinformed.

Captain Gammans

Are these allowances not being paid for something which these firms did for nothing before the war?

Mr. Mabane

No, Sir.

Major York

In view of the obvious waste of public money, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

59. Major York

asked the Minister of Food what sum was paid to the London Co-operative Society in self-wholesaling allowances during the past 12 months?

Mr. Mabane

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Hornsey (Captain Gammans) on 1st December.

Major York

Is not the Minister aware that on that occasion there was a demand from the House that those figures should be given, and will he not now give the figures?

Mr. Mabane

I am not aware that there was a demand from the House. I pointed out that it would be invidious to select particular firms and to give the figures of their trade.

Captain Gammans

Is not this public money, and is there any reason why the figures should not be given?

Mr. Mabane

The House will appreciate that in these days, when firms give to public Departments figures of their trade, an impossible position would arise if hon. Members were to inquire about the figures of the trade done by particular firms.

Major York

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question also upon the Adjournment.

62. Captain Gammans

asked the Minister of Food by how much the price of milk could have been increased if the £2,400,000 spent during the year ending 31st October, 1943, in self-wholesaling allowances had been paid to the producers?

Mr. Mabane

This Question asks, in another form, for the total gallonage of milk production during the year ended 31st October, 1943. I regret that the publication of such a figure is not in the national interest.

Captain Gammans

Would the Minister say why it is not in the public interest?

Mr. Mabane

It has been determined that during the war figures of agricultural production shall not be published. I can only say that we should be very glad to have the comparable figure of agriculture production in respect of Germany.