§ 48. Mr. W. Shepherdasked the Minister of Food whether the recent alterations in the price of boiled sweets and chocolate have resulted in the reduction of the percentage of profit allowed to retail confectioners; and what are the old and the new rates in respect of, both categories.
§ Mr. StracheyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Haire) on 4th June. The lowest percentage rate of profit earned by retailers, under the old schedules, varied from 20.83 per cent. on chocolate bars and sugar confectionery sold by the piece to 33.3 per cent. on the cheaper types of sugar confectionery sold by weight. Under the new schedules these rates have been reduced to 16.6 per cent. and 26.6 per cent. respectively.