Associated Deliveries, Ltd.; Reading. With a fleet of 245 vans based on 36 depots throughout the country, the company distributes 2m. individual consignments of 12 different biscuit and confectionery makers' products each year to practically every town, village and hamlet in Great Britain.

In 1939, when war seemed imminent, the Government intimated to the biscuit manufacturers that it would like to see pooled distribution in the industry to avoid the wastage of transport. Early the next year the Biscuit Delivery Pool, Ltd., was .formed by the manufacturers and its inauguration coincided with the introduction of the biscuit zoning scheme.

Substantial economies resulted from the co-ordination of services that B.D.P. provided. In fact, 500,000 gallons of petrol were saved each year. When peace came, the question that naturally-faced the industry was whether pooled delivery should continue.

Twelve old-established makers of biscuits, preserves and confectionery decided that for them at least it should, and Associated Deliveries, Ltd., was formed by them in May, 1946, as a non-profit-making company, limited by guarantee and financed by interest-free loans.

• These 12 companies are all family businesses with cordial relationships and produce goods of the highest quality. Their factories are distributed throughout the country. A.D.L. has its headquarters at the factory of Huntley and Palmers, Ltd., Reading. Other biscuit makers in the group are Carr and Co. Ltd., Carlisle, and Peek Frean and Co., Ltd., Bermondsey. Confectionery manufacturers comprise A J. Coley, Ltd., Norwich, Clarnico, Ltd., Hackney, John Mackintosh and Sons, Ltd., Halifax, Meltis, Ltd., Bedford, Joseph Terry and Sons, Ltd.', 'York, and Suchard ..-.Chocolate, Ltd., also at .Bermondsey, being like Meltis, an affiliate of 'Peek Frean.

Chivers and Sons, Ltd., with factories at Histon, and Montrose