§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that people not legitimately in the confectionery trade are buying up large quantities of sweets and selling them at exorbitant prices to retailers; and whether, having regard to the necessity for children to be able to purchase whole-some sweets at reasonable price, he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWith a view to improving the distribution of chocolate and sugar confectionery my Noble Friend has recently, with the co-operation of manufacturers, created a war-time association of manufacturers on which the Ministry has representatives with a controlling voice. Comprehensive proposals for price control have been formulated which will cover the minority of cases where unreasonable prices are being charged. These proposals are receiving urgent consideration by the Ministry. If my hon. Friend has particulars of any such cases and will send them to me I shall be glad to have them investigated.