§ 11. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the price of bread to consumers has been increased unreasonably by the imposition of delivery charges in certain areas in England, Wales and Scotland; what are his regulations on this point; and what action he is taking.
Mr. AmoryThe reply to the first part of the hon. and learned Member's Question is "No, Sir." The Bread Order does not prohibit the addition of a reasonable delivery charge to the prescribed maximum price of bread. Whether the charge is unreasonable in a particular case is a matter for the courts, but if the hon. and learned Member has any specific complaint, I shall be pleased to look into it.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Minister consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer in order to devise a means whereby this new and artificial way of increasing the cost of bread can be negatived? If he does not do that, will he realise that he and the Government are abrogating their duties to the consuming public?
Mr. AmoryNo, I am afraid I cannot agree with almost anything the hon. and learned Member has said in that supplementary question. I think that in many 800 remote areas a delivery charge is perfectly reasonable.
§ Mr. MikardoCan the Minister tell us whether, irrespective of what the Order says, if the retailers in a given town or area—or the bulk of them—make an agreed charge, that arrangement would fall within the purview of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Commission?