HC Deb 21 June 1920 vol 130 cc1773-4W
Sir J. D. REES

asked the Minister of Food whether he has information to the effect that representatives of the English wholesale co-operative societies in New Zealand are attempting to corner the whole of the output of cheese and butter in New Zealand for the forthcoming season; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent the establishment of a monopoly in so important a source of supply?

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that an attempt is being made by a certain trading organisation in this country to secure the whole of the output of cheese and butter in New Zealand, for distribution in this country; and, if so, whether any steps will be taken in the interest of the consumer to prevent any one trading organisation having the monopoly in these important commodities?

Mr. McCURDY

I would refer the hon. Baronet and the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on this subject on Wednesday 16th June, to the hon. Member for the Sevenoaks Division (Mr. Bennett).

Sir H. NIELD

asked the Minister of Food whether the decision of the Government not to permit the Ministry to enter into any further contracts for the importation of cheese, is intended to indicate that all control over imported cheese by the Ministry will be relinquished; if, when this decision was arrived at, regard was had to the attempt of the Wholesale Co-operative Society to create a corner in the supply of New Zealand cheese; and does the Ministry propose to take any steps to prevent the creation of a monopoly in any staple article or articles of food and their exploitation by any company or person?

Sir W. MITCHELL - THOMSON

Following on the decision of the Government that no further purchases of imported cheese should be made by the Ministry of Food, cheese is no longer controlled by Statutory Order, except in so far as the substantial balance of the cheese already contracted for by the Ministry is concerned. As regards the second part of the question, when the decision referred to was reached it was realised that following on the restoration of a free market in Australasian cheese changes in the established channels of trade might ensue, but there was at that time no indication that the Wholesale Co-operative Society intended to open negotiations for the purchase of New Zealand cheese. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the concluding part of the reply given to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Mr. Bennett) on the 16th instant. Should any attempt be made to exploit the consumer, either in the case of cheese or any other foodstuff, the Minister of Food will not hesitate to employ any powers entrusted to him by Parliament.