§ Mr. HAILWOODasked the Food Controller whether, seeing the great scarcity of butter in England, he will explain why the importation of butter from Ireland is restricted?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Ministry of Food has purchased the total exportable surplus of butter from Ireland since it was found necessary, in order to secure proper distribution of the limited supplies available, to prohibit the export of butter from Ireland on private account.
§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKERasked the Food Controller if he is aware of the fear of the small private trader that during the present restricted butter ration they may suffer loss by reason of price-cutting competition by the larger multiple shops; and whether he will consider the desirability of fixing a minimum selling price for margarine?
Mr. ROBERTSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have given careful consideration to the suggestion contained in the latter part of the question, but have decided that the consumer is entitled to the full benefit of any fall in prices that may be brought about by competition under ordinary trade conditions.