HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc10-1
18. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Food why his Department do not permit private egg packers to have the same rights of paying with a dividend and a bonus to their stockholders as are at present enjoyed by cooperative societies.

Mr. Strachey

I do not interfere in any way with the distribution of profits by private egg packers to their proprietors or stockholders. Where this differs from the method adopted by the cooperative societies, it is presumably due to differences in their articles of association.

Mr. Bossom

Is not the Minister aware that this is totally unfair and that it means that a great privilege is allowed to the cooperative societies which the private traders do not enjoy?

Mr. Strachey

I am not aware of anything of the sort. There is no reason why private traders should not give dividends on purchases, or in any other manner.

Mr. Bossom

Would the Minister make an announcement that they can do so?

Forward to