HC Deb 13 October 1943 vol 392 cc884-5
67. Colonel Arthur Evans

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why, under the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Biscuits) Order (S.R. & O. No. 1253, of 1943) there is a discrimination against biscuit manufacturers who are not members of the Cake and Biscuit Manufacturers' War Time Alliance, Limited?

Mr. Mabane

As the answer to this Question is long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

My hon. Friend appears to be mistaken in thinking that under the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Biscuits) (Licensing and Control) Order (S.R. & O. 1253 of 1943), there is a discrimination against biscuit manufacturers who are not members of the Cake and Biscuit Manufacturers' War-time Alliance Limited. Since August, 1941, biscuit manufacturers who produce more than 12 tons of biscuits per annum, except the very small number principally engaged in the manufacture of chocolate confectionery, have been required to be members of the Cake and Biscuit Manufacturers' War-time Alliance Limited. These manufacturers have hitherto been granted Class "A" licences, and the Biscuits (Licensing and Control) Order maintains this position by providing that manufacturers who wish to continue to hold Class "A" licences must continue their membership of the War-time Alliance. Producers of not more than 12 tons of biscuits per annum have not been and are not required to be members of the Wartime Alliance, and they are granted Class "B" licences. Provision is made for the maintenance of their position under Article 7 (b) of the Biscuits (Licensing and Control) Order. The position of the very small number of biscuit manufacturers principally engaged in the manufacture of chocolate confectionery is being regularised under the new Order. The Class "A" licences formerly granted to them, although they were not required to be members of the Cake and Biscuit Manufacturers' War-time Alliance Limited, are to be replaced by special licences granted under Article 2 of the new Order.