HC Deb 13 May 1943 vol 389 cc788-9
6 Mr. Kirby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the non-inclusion of Northern Ireland in the Ministry's scheme for the control and distribution of poultry is having a harsh effect on former importers in the North-west of England; that practically no imports are now received by wholesalers from Northern Ireland, and that retailers are consequently deprived of their former supplies from this source; that such supplies are diverted into other channels at prices' beyond the legal maximum; and will he include Northern Ireland in his poultry distribution scheme so that importers and retailers in the Northwest may be supplied in relation to the standard trading year of 1938?

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

My Noble Friend is giving consideration to the method of marketing Northern Ireland poultry in Great Britain and hopes to be in a position shortly to introduce modifications in the existing arrangements.

Mr. Kirby

Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to bring the new arrangements into force as early as possible?

Mr. Mabane

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is the hon. Gentleman considering the general question of the distribution of food in this country as well as in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Mabane

The Question does not relate to that much wider issue.