§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Food why he has increased the freedom with which wholesale potato merchants' licences can be obtained; and what steps are to be taken to ensure that the resultant multiplication of distributive facilities is matched by a relaxation of controls in this field without which efficiency may be impaired and the cost of distribution of this product increased.
§ Mr. StracheyWe are licensing more merchants in order to get freer competition in this trade. The cost which may be charged against the consumer for distribution of ware potatoes is limited by the fixed grower's price on the one hand and the maximum retail price on the other.