§ 24. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that English wheat has been sold at Stockton-on-Tees corn market at 91s. per quarter; whether he knows that the rapidly rising price of bread is making it increasingly difficult of purchase for poor people, especially where there is a young family; and whether the Food Controller is yet in a position to announce any scheme for the more effective control and fairer distribution of food supplies?
Captain BATHURSTI am aware that small quantities of English wheat have recently been sold at the price mentioned. The question of fixing a maximum price for English wheat is now under the consideration of the War Cabinet, and steps are being taken to regulate the price of flour and bread throughout the Kingdom.
§ Mr. ANDERSONIn view of the increasing urgency of this question, I give notice that I will raise the whole question of food supplies and food distribution on the Motion for the Easter Adjournment.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is always a danger of sitting on the safety-valve too long?