§ 51. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that egg packers are paying above his Department's established price for eggs; and what steps he proposes to take to enforce his regulations.
§ Mr. StracheyIf the hon. Member knows of any case in which the price is now being exceeded, and will let me have particulars, inquiries will be made, and if the allegation proves well founded, the appropriate steps will, of course, be taken.
§ Mr. BossomIs the Minister aware that the Co-operative Society, in Kent, are not only paying the normal 5 per cent. dividend, but an additional 3d. per dozen, and is he aware that I have a letter from his Department accepting that?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir, I thought that the hon. Member might have that in mind. I should like to tell him at once that it it perfectly legal for any Co-operative Society to pay a dividend on purchases to its members, just as it is legal for a capitalist organisation to pay dividends to shareholders.
§ Mr. BossomIs the Minister aware that in addition to the dividend of 5 per cent. as I have said in my supplementary question, there is an additional 3d. per dozen given to the shareholders?
§ Mr. StracheyIf the hon. Member wants a further answer, he must remember that the Co-operative dividend is never specific on a particular purchase, but is a general dividend for all purchases made from the society.
§ Mr. BossomOn account of the total inaccuracies of the Minister in his replies, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again on the Adjournment.