§ Mr. J. L. Williamsasked the Minister of Food if he has considered the protest from the, West of Scotland Wholesale Confectioners' Association against the proposed cut of 20 per cent. in the distributive margin, with a request that the prices should be adjusted to meet the higher costs in their area; and whether, in view of the facts submitted by the association, he will reconsider the position.
§ Mr. StracheyYes. A reply has been sent to the association. The percentage cut is an overall figure for the whole country. I have promised to give sympathetic consideration to any proposals which the trade may make to vary the cut to meet the varying conditions in different areas provided that such adjustments did not affect the total figure.