§ Mr. Grovesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the anxiety felt 1227W by members of the London Wholesale Meat Supply Association because they continue to sell their goods at a certain stated price, which must not be raised, whilst the Ministry of Food can, and does, raise prices to the manufacturers without giving time for them to go into their costs; and whether he will inquire into the circumstances of the lack of notice to the wholesalers for the increase in the price of pork and sheep and lamb tongues operating from 29th April?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe London Wholesale Meat Supply Association is not1228W the owner of any meat. It distributes and invoices the Ministry's meat to retailers and manufacturers at the respective prices prescribed by the Ministry. I am not aware of any dissatisfaction by the members of the London Wholesale Meat Supply Association at this procedure. In regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question the Association received notice in an instruction dated 25th April, of an increase in the price of pork, sheep and lamb tongues. There was some delay in applying the new prices to manufacturers and this is at present under inquiry.