§ 48. Mr. P. Robertsasked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that all the BR2 forms when returned after use by the Bread Distributing Trade are properly scrutinised and used by the Ministry of Food for checking and statistical purposes.
§ Dr. SummerskillA proportion of the returns furnished by the Bread Distributing Trade is checked each period, and in such cases the forms are scrutinised.
§ Mr. RobertsWhat proportion is checked?
§ Dr. SummerskillA varying proportion is checked every period. Obviously for enforcement reasons, we do not always take the same proportion.
§ Mr. RobertsIs the Minister aware that, in point of fact, no checking is done at all, and everyone in the distributing business, except herself, realises that this bread rationing machinery is not working at all, and will she take some action, either to see that the proper machinery works or take it off?
§ Mr. Wilson HarrisAre the apparently numerous bakers who never collect any bread units at any disadvantage compared with those who do?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir.
§ Mr. McGovernMay I ask the hon. Lady if there is any obligation now on traders to collect B.U.s, as I know for a fact that a large number in Glasgow do not collect them?
§ Dr. SummerskillMost bakers have some ethical standard.
§ Mr. OsborneIs not this one of the controls that could be removed?
§ Mr. RobertsI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.