§ Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a co-operative society known as the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Farmers Limited, which holds an approved buyers' licence under his department, are paying to their members a bonus of 6d. per quarter on all purchases of wheat and oats in addition to the maximum price fixed by Statutory Rules and Orders; and that by this evasion of the regulations this society is able to offer a higher price to farmers than other merchants, and what action he is taking against this society.
§ Sir B. SmithI am aware that the Society in question has announced the payment of a bonus to all qualified members of 6d. per quarter on sales of wheat and oats I am advised that it is doubt ful whether payment of such bonus would be regarded in court as constituting an infringement of the maximum prices orders.