HC Deb 04 December 1950 vol 482 c8
19. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Food what is the present stock of fats and dripping.

Mr. Webb

Stocks of margarine and cooking fat amount to about three weeks' supply. In addition, substantial stocks of oils and fats are maintained for processing into margarine and cooking fat. Stocks of dripping are owned and held by the trade, and average about 2,000 tons.

Mr. Crouch

Is the Minister satisfied that these stocks are not being kept back? Can he tell the House that they are not too large for the purposes for which he intends to use them later?

Mr. Webb

I am never surprised at anything done by private traders.

Mr. Crouch

But is not the Minister aware that the private trader cannot distribute these stocks without the permission of the Minister?

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