§ 55. Mr. W. Shepherdasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Manchester and Salford Co-operative Society is exhibiting posters throughout its branches offering 5s. to each of its members who will introduce new members; and what steps he proposes to take in view of the repeated requests by his Department that traders should not, under rationing conditions, canvass for registration.
§ Mr. StracheyThe posters exhibited by the Co-operative Society in question are concerned not with registration but with a new membership campaign. And membership of the society does not necessarily carry with it registration for rationed foods. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a breach of the spirit which has been asked for, and that exception is taken to this action by private traders in the area?
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot agree that there is a breach of the spirit of our desires in this matter, or of our regulations. There is no inducement offered to the potential customer; there is only inducement offered to the member to make other members, which is a very different thing.
§ Mr. RobensIs my hon. Friend aware that thousands of people in the constituency of the hon. Member for Bucklow (Mr. W. Shepherd) are members of this Society, and bitterly resent the implications in his Question?
§ Mr. ButcherIs it not a fact that many members of the Co-operative Society prefer to deal with private traders?
§ Mr. StracheyIt is perfectly true that they are free to do so.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that the Co-operative Movement exists to serve people, and that it should be encouraged to make new members?