§ 7. Mr. Blytonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the names of the three firms to whom the largest subsidy is paid in respect of bread; and what percentage of the country's bread is made by them.
Mr. AmoryThe three firms receiving the largest amount of subsidy together produce about 5 per cent. of all the national bread made in the United Kingdom. I cannot disclose their identity because all information given by bakers claiming subsidy is confidential.
§ Mr. BlytonIs the Minister aware that the millers have a restrictive practice of quotas on their mills? Is he also aware that big firms, whose names I could mention, are buying up all the bakeries to control the sale of bread also?
Mr. AmoryI know of the general trend, to which the hon. Member refers, of the establishment of plant bakeries and also groupings of bakers
Mr. T. WilliamsIs the Minister aware that the large mills referred to are granting bonuses to large bakers if they purchase a quantity in excess of a certain figure whereas small bakeries get no bonus at all?
Mr. AmoryThe practice to which the right hon. Member refers, of giving discounts to large purchasers, is fairly usual in business.