HC Deb 07 March 1951 vol 485 cc436-7
52. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement with regard to the discussions with the accountants from the margarine industry on the subject of increasing the incentive to economical production and the weeding out of the least efficient units.

Mr. F. Willey

These discussions are still going on, but I understand that the industry's accountants now consider that, under present conditions, there would be great practical difficulties in operating an incentive scheme on the lines originally proposed.

Mr. Osborne

The Minister says that the position is now more satisfactory. What is the length of time between his "now" and the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, who was not satisfied when he made it?

Mr. Willey

I did not say that anything was more satisfactory. I said that discussions were still proceeding.