Mr. C. WASONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that, under the Defence of the Realm Act, persons selling margarine in Orkney, Shetland, and the Hebrides were entitled to charge ½d. per 1b. over and above authorised prices, and that persons selling retail were entitled to charge 2d. per lb. over fixed prices, and that in March, 1918, a new Order was issued by which importers, retailers, and the general public in the islands were cut out of the privileges obtained by the previous Order, and that in consequence confusion exists, and that it is very difficult to obtain margarine under existing circumstances; and whether he proposes to take any steps in this matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the difficulty of obtaining supplies in such remote districts, a licence was issued permitting persons selling margarine in Orkney, Shetland, and the Hebrides to make the extra charges mentioned by the hon. Member. This licence was revoked by the Margarine (Retail Prices) Order, dated 23rd March, 1918, which was ex- 1127W tended to Scotland by a notice dated 11th April, 1918. The margarine distribution scheme now in operation in Scotland provides for supplies to these islands, and the Ministry of Food will consider any special claims for expenses incurred by wholesalers consigning margarine to very remote parts of the country.