§ Mr. Asterley Jonesasked the Minister of Food whether he is yet in a position to state his policy with regard to delivery charges for bread; and what action will be taken.
§ Mr. StracheyI have gone into this very carefully, as I promised, and have come to the conclusion that it would not be in the national interest to allow bakers or other retailers to charge for delivering bread. A clause to prevent their doing so will be included in a new Order which is to be issued soon. I realise that daily deliveries are desirable in the long run, but in our present economic situation I feel sure that people can manage with deliveries on alternate days. So the bread subsidy paid to bakers will continue to allow for the cost of delivering bread three times a week. There will, however, be nothing to prevent retailers from delivering daily if they are prepared to meet the extra cost themselves, so that no extra expense falls either on the public or on the Exchequer.