§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the statement made at East Ham police court on behalf of the firm of David Greig, Limited, that the firm had in one week 59,000 pounds of bacon left on their hands; and whether he intends to alter the regulations which prevent food being sold to unregistered customers or what other steps he proposes to take to stop the wastage of bacon?
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§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonMy attention has been drawn to the report in the Press referred to by the hon. Member. The report was, however, based on a misconception. At the relevant time, the firm had only two cwts. left on their hands at the branch concerned. It was suggested in the court that, if all the branches of the firm had a similar stock, the total would amount to 59,000 lbs., but there was no evidence that this quantity was, in fact, carried over. As regards the second part of the Question, the present regulations enable retailers to obtain licences to sell bacon without a coupon on their satisfying the local food control committee that, in the alternative, there is a risk of the bacon becoming unfit for human consumption. The regulations are working satisfactorily, and I see no reason to alter them
§ Mr. Jacksonasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that many small country towns in Wales are receiving supplies of bacon which are, in part, far too dear for their particular trade, so that their customers are not buying their ration; and whether he will arrange for a cheaper class of bacon to be supplied to these districts?
§ Mr. MorrisonI have received no specific complaints from any country towns in Wales regarding the type of bacon with which they are being supplied, but I am making inquiries into the possibility of providing additional supplies of cheaper cuts