asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Heckmondwike Co-operative Society's butchering department made a profit of only £45 on a turn-over of £52,759; and, in view of this, if he will consider making alterations regarding the price list, surcharge and profit margins allowed to members of the trade.

Retail butchers' profits are regulated by a system of surcharges and rebates on the wholesale price list which is designed to give the trade as a whole a reasonable return. I am afraid that it is quite impracticable to base our calculations on the trading results of any single firm.