HC Deb 26 October 1949 vol 468 cc151-2W
66. Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Food what is the total sum paid annually to all food, fruit and vegetable distributors since 1940 as compensation for the amount of trade they did in 1938; and how long is this to continue.

Mr. Strachey

No such payments are made by my Ministry and the latter part of the Question does not, therefore, arise. In some cases during the war the whole of a trade was formed into an association to distribute a particular foodstuff, and the total remuneration of the association was based upon pre-war earnings of its members; but such payments represent remuneration for services rendered and are not compensation for the amount of trade carried out in 1938.