§ Sir W. Darlingasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a large number of former customers of John McIntosh, dairyman, 412, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, who sold his business, desire to be transferred to another independent dairyman and, although such independent dairies exist in the neighbourhood, have been refused this permission; and under what regulation divisional food officers are not permitted to give this permission and freedom of choice.
§ Mr. StracheyIn areas where milk deliveries have been rationalised it is necessary to restrict the consumer's choice of dairyman when a retail milk business is sold. The transfer of the customers previously served by Mr. John Mclntosh was carried out in accordance with our general practice, the object of which is to preserve the system of rationalised distribution. My divisional food officers are not instructed by regulation but they are .under a duty to implement the arrangements which have been made in pursuance of the relevant provisions of the Milk (Control and Maximum Prices) (Great Britain) Order, 1942, as amended.