§ Mr. Leonardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will ensure that when his Ministry 366W make public announcements on the allocation of food, etc., steps are taken to guarantee that every retailer can meet the claims of customers who base their demands upon these public and official pronouncements?
§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir. It would not be practicable in every case to postpone announcements as to food supplies which are being released through the trade until all retailers have received their supplies. My Department endeavours, however, when issuing information as to future supplies to give adequate particulars of the date upon which distribution will begin and does its utmost to provide the public with information as to when supplies will be available for sale in the shops. My hon. Friend will realise that in the case of such commodities as oranges it is possible neither to arrange for all retailers to receive their supplies on the same date nor to postpone sales in one area until supplies have arrived in all other areas.