HC Deb 17 April 1961 vol 638 cc785-6
41. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce legislation for the creation of public utility undertakings of a non-profit character for the purpose of organising the distribution of milk, bread, butter and cheese and other articles of domestic use.

Mr. Soames

No, Sir. Foodstuffs are more economically distributed and consumers' needs best served by competitive private enterprise.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not the Minister recognise the language in the Question? Has he never read the erudite and constructive proposals of his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister? Will he consult his right hon. Friend in order to persuade the Government to adopt the proposals which the Prime Minister originally suggested?

Mr. Soames

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is, of course, well aware of the Question put down by the right hon. Gentleman and what lies behind it, but the right hon. Gentleman would make a great mistake if he thought that by going into this sphere of activity he could find a way out of the difficulties which surround Clause 4.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the Minister realise that hitherto I have experienced no difficulties about Clause 4? Will he address himself to this very important question? If the proposal was good enough for the Prime Minister several years ago, why is it not good enough now?

Mr. Soames

It has been considered.