§ Mr. W. SHAWasked the Minister of Food if the retailers of sugar are still restricted to certain sources of supply, and that, while the Government price is 80s. per cwt., the wholesaler charges the retailer 84s. per cwt., plus carriage; and, as the retailers are of the opinion that they could purchase to better advantage and be able to sell cheaper to the public if they had a free market, whether he will consider the advisability of immediately withdrawing all restrictions and give the retailers complete freedom in purchasing?
§ Mr. McCURDYIt would only be under very exceptional circumstances that a wholesaler would be permitted to charge as much as 84s. per cwt., plus carriage, and if the hon. Member will forward particulars of the cases to which he refers I shall be glad to investigate them. I am unable to add anything to previous replies regarding the point raised in the second part of the question.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Minister of Food whether, when a further reduction of sugar is contemplated, he will give at least 14 days' notice to the trade, as well as the public, of such intention so as to enable the former to have an opportunity of clearing a part of their stock without serirous loss, as was the case in the recent reduction?
§ Mr. McCURDYI would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormbsy-Gore).