Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to enforce the Maximum Prices Order for cattle feeding-stuffs, in view of the known instances of many infringements which have been taking place?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAll complaints of breaches of the Feeding-Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order are investigated by my Department. Out of over 100 complaints examined, only five cases have presentedprima facie evidence of a breach of the Order. Investigation is still proceeding in these cases.
§ Mr. W. Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in order to protect farmers from excessive charges for compound cakes and mixed meals, he will provide that provender merchants must, on request, inform a customer of the actual ingredients of such compounds and mixtures?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydArticle 14 (2) of the Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1940, provides that every seller of a mixture shall, on demand being made of him in writing by the buyer, furnish written particulars specifying the composition of the mixture, the price of each of the ingredients and any additional charges permitted by the Order or shall, in lieu 1293W of furnishing such particulars, furnish to the buyer an auditor's certificate certifying that the price charged for the mixture is in accordance with the Order. This provision does not apply to compound cakes as it is not considered that it would be justifiable that manufacturers should be required to disclose the composition of their products, many of which are proprietary articles. The Order, however, prescribes the maximum charge that may be added by the manufacturer to the cost of the ingredients of compound cakes. Any cases of complaint will be investigated by my Department.