HC Deb 01 November 1944 vol 404 cc796-7
47. Mr. Burke

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that fruit and vegetable retailers who receive short weight are deterred from seeking protection under the Maximum Prices Order lest their supplies be stopped; and will he therefore consider some other means of affording protection.

Colonel Llewellin

Wherever full particulars are available I am prepared to have any cases investigated in which fruit and vegetable retailers receive short weight. I shall be glad if the hon. Member will supply me with information regarding any specific cases to which his attention has been drawn.

Mr. Burke

It would be unwise for a retailer in these days of restricted supplies to report the matter. Cannot the right hon. and gallant Gentleman institute some system of inspection by persons in his Department over certain areas?

Colonel Llewellin

I am afraid not. We must rely, if we are going to enforce the regulations, on the man coming forward and giving us evidence. We cannot have inspectors going round retail shops all the time. There would have to be a great number of inspectors and many retailers would be annoyed by such a system. Retailers must provide us with information on which we can act.

Mr. Burke

Are not complaints so widespread as to justify general inspecting?

Colonel Llewellin

No. But if retailers give us information about any particular wholesaler we can look generally into that wholesaler's business.