HC Deb 26 May 1943 vol 389 cc1567-9
45. Major Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the reason for the revocation by a direction on 1st May, Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 664, of the Order, dated 23rd April, Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 630; whether the new direction came into operation the day after it was signed, and whether in future longer notice will be given before directions come into operation?

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

Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 664 was made on 1st May because the production of milk had increased rapidly and it was desirable to raise the minimum allowance to non-priority customers temporarily to four pints a week to avoid wastage. The new Direction came into force on 2nd May. Where possible several days' notice is given of changes effected by Statutory Rules and Orders. It was, however, in this case necessary to take immediate action to avoid wastage of milk. An announcement was issued to the public and the trade on 29th April before the Order was made.

Major Lyons

While fully appreciating the need for urgency in this case, do I understand the Minister to say that, whenever possible, as long notice as possible will be given before an Order comes into effect?

Mr. Mabane

Yes, Sir, that was what I tried to say.

46. Sir R. Ckrry

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why no explanatory note was attached to the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Saccharin) Order (Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 669), in order that the significance of this Order might be appreciated without the necessity of obtaining three earlier Orders, published in 1942?

47. Mr. Ralph Etherton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why no explanatory note was attached to the Emergency Powers'(Defence) Food Rationing (General Provisions) Order (Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 659),.in order that the significance of this new Order might be appreciated without the necessity of obtaining two earlier Orders published in 1942?

Mr. Mabane

It has hitherto been the practice of my Department to interpret the sense of S.R. and Os. to those whom they affect by means of suitable Press notices. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department will, however, make a statement on behalf of the Government on the use of explanatory memoranda in the course of to-day's Debate, and hon. Members will, I think, agree that I should not anticipate his speech.

Mr. Holdsworth

Is it the habit of the hon. Gentleman's Department to consult those who are interested in the particular trade affected before making an Order?

Mr. Mabane

That.is another question, but it is, of course, the common practice.

66. Mr. Wakefield

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can make a statement explaining the basis of the prohibition of the movement of tomatoes contained in the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food Transport (Tomatoes) (Great Britain) Order (Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 658), having regard to the fact that apparently it will be permissible under this Order, on grounds of economy in transport, to send tomatoes from Sussex to Cumberland but illegal to send them from Sussex to Oxfordshire?

Mr. Mabane

The object of Statutory Rule and Order No. 658 is the even distribution of tomatoes without avoidable cross-hauls and long journeys. It prohibits the movement of tomatoes out of areas where local production is unlikely to exceed local needs; and directs the movement of tomatoes from areas producing in excess of local needs to the most convenient areas needing extra supplies. The Order does not permit, as the Question states, the movement of tomatoes from Sussex to Cumberland.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Can my hon. Friend say why he did not include in that same Order some kind of restriction on the condition of sales which applied to tomatoes in the early part of last season?

Mr. Mabane

I am afraid I cannot say without notice.