60. Mrs. Manningasked the Minister of Food what steps the committee controlling the distribution of vegetables is taking to prevent tie-in sales of green and other vegetables with potatoes, now that potatoes are rationed.
§ Mr. StracheyConditions of sale, whether imposed by wholesalers or retailers, are prohibited by the Food (Conditions of Sale) Order and are, therefore, illegal. Action will be taken against anyone who contravenes the Order. I will gladly investigate any attempts to impose a condition of sale on receiving particulars.
§ 62. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the resentment aroused among retailers by attempts in Covent Garden Market to impose conditions of sale in respect of supplying potatoes; and whether he will consider the introduction of a scheme guaranteeing shopkeepers their quota according to the number of customers they serve, irrespective of whether they make purchases of other more costly vegetables.
§ Mr. StracheyI will take legal action against any person against whom there is evidence that they have imposed conditions of sale. It is not possible to introduce a scheme guaranteeing shopkeepers specific allocations of potatoes. We will however remedy local deficiencies by sending supplies to recognised wholesalers in the district.