HC Deb 24 November 1948 vol 458 c1244
49. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the strong resentment expressed by distributors and retailers in Scotland of imported turkeys, poultry, rabbits, etc., at his recent directive that co-operative societies shall receive 10 per cent. of available supplies of imported Christmas poultry; and if he will reconsider this decision.

The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary in reply to a number of Questions on this subject on 15th November.

Major Lloyd

Would the right hon. Gentleman be surprised to know that his obduracy in refusing to reverse this direction is causing great dissatisfaction in Scotland and that he is being accused throughout the length and breadth of Scotland of gross political favouritism?

Mr. Rankin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this decision is welcomed by millions of working class people who are members of co-operative societies and also that the poultry allocation he has decided upon might have been brought more into keeping with the 15 per cent. allocation given for meat registrations?

Mr. Speaker

It seems to me that there is a sort of tendency not to ask questions of the Minister but to give him information, which is not really the purpose of Questions.