§ 58. Mr. Stewardasked the Minister of Food whether he proposes to continue payments of compensation to butchers at the same rates as at present, when the meat ration is incerased to 1s. 8d. during the month of August and onwards.
§ Mr. WebbI think the hon. Member has in mind the rebate at present being allowed to butchers. If so the answer is "No," since this rebate is related to the temporary reduction in the ration. When the ration is large enough to provide the butchers with an income higher than an agreed overall profit, they are subject to a surcharge. They get a rebate when the ration is not enough to maintain this overall profit. The payment on either side changes in accordance with changes in the ration.