HC Deb 05 March 1947 vol 434 c483
6 Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food why an import permit for cooking fats from Tanganyika was refused to Mr. H. Malcolm Ross.

Dr. Summerskill

Import licences cannot be granted to private importers for cooking fat because it is subject to international allocation and also because it is subject to rationing in this country. The Ministry of Food imports such cooking fat as can be made available to us from East African territories.

Sir W. Smithers

Is it the policy of the Government to suppress the activity of private traders and to remove competition by the bulk purchases of the Government?

Dr. Summerskill

It is the policy of the Government to put the needs of the people before the private interests of the trader.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Is it to assist the needs of the people for the hon. Lady's Minister to sign such rotten contracts with Ceylon?

Sir W. Smithers

Is it not a fact that the phenomenal rise in prices all over the world is mainly due to bulk purchases?