§ 48. Mr. Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the application of Mr. J. Barber, of 51, Aberech Road, Pwllheli, to the Meat and Livestock Division of his Ministry for a licence to sell rabbits by wholesale was acknowledged by that Division on the 7th 1812 November, 1947; that nothing further was heard until the 8th April, 1948, when Mr. Barber was informed that his application was refused; and, in view of the fact that Mr. Barber already carried out a considerable business in the retail sale of rabbits under licence at the date of his application, can he account for the unreasonable delay and for his eventual decision in this matter.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)I regret the delay, but I am satisfied that the decision was correct. The hon. Member may not be aware that Mr. Barber's application was prompted by certain inquiries which my right hon. Friend had cause to instigate, and regarding which he has directed that a letter be sent to Mr. Barber.
§ Mr. Price-WhiteDoes not the hon. Lady agree that as Mr. Barber held a retailer's licence knowledge of his business should have been known to the Ministry? Is it not disgraceful that it should have taken nearly five months for the Ministry to have replied? In view of the fact that Mr. Barber was engaged in supplying swift moving Welsh rabbits to Lancashire, is it not more preferable that the people there should have these rabbits rather than the more traditional, but slower moving, trotters?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf the hon. Member will have a word with me afterwards I may be able to tell him something which I should not like to say publicly.