Mr. K. JONESasked the Food Controller whether any effective reason now exists for the continuance of the system of registration in view of the existing food supplies, and the concessions recently made; and whether, even with its abandonment, the necessary measure of control could be adequately secured?
Mr. ROBERTSRegistration of customers with retailers is the only basis on which the incidence of the demand on particular tradesmen can be ascertained, and so long as supplies of any one food do not afford a sufficient margin to enable a retailer to hold stocks which would meet any possible calls upon him, discontinuance of registration for that food would inevitably lead to queues. In the case of margarine, registration will not be required after 1st March. As regards other commodities, I can only say that I am carefully watching the situation.