§ 36. Mr. W. G. Bennettasked the Minister of Food to what extent it is the Government's policy to restrict the granting of wholesale dealers licences in animal feedingstuffs to firms dealing in that commodity prior to 1939.
Dr. HillBefore 1939, wholesale trading in imported feedingstuffs was combined with direct importing. The Government is now the sole importer and, so long as this position continues, restriction to pre-1939 traders materially reduces the costs of distribution. Additional licences are granted in appropriate cases for trading in home-produced feedingstuffs.
§ Mr. BennettIs the Minister not aware that at the moment his Department are restricting licences although firms have the materials available and are able to help the trade? Is it not the policy of the Government to free trade where possible?
Dr. HillIt is the Government's policy to depart from the 1939 position in this matter of licensing, as in the matter of pre-war datum usage allocations. In this case, there are immense practical difficulties.