HC Deb 24 July 1950 vol 478 cc6-7
10. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Minister of Food when he proposes to relinquish the cocoa buying controls.

Mr. Webb

I hope to take a decision about this in the near future.

Mr. Cooper

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the profits to his Department on this controlled buying represent a form of indirect taxation in this industry, and will he take into account the fact that the present controls result in some uncertainty of supplies and also in high costs, which are resulting in unemployment in the industry?

Mr. Webb

Discussions on the matter are now being held with representatives of manufacturers and cocoa dealers. I am carefully considering their views. I am well aware of the need for an early decision on the matter.