HC Deb 11 June 1917 vol 94 cc573-4
65. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether haricot beans were taken over at 37s. a cwt. c.i.f., and it was announced that they would be retailed to the public at 6d. a pound; whether these beans are now being offered back, through the Government brokers, to the trade at 59s. a cwt.; if so, who takes the 22s. a cwt. difference; and at what price are the beans to be retailed to the public?

Captain BATHURST

The Food Controller requisitioned all Burmese haricot beans at 37s. per cwt. He subsequently took over similar beans from other countries at considerably higher prices. All the beans thus secured are being offered to the trade at a uniform rate fixed for the present at 58s. per cwt. On some transactions the Government will incur a loss; on others it will derive a profit, but on the whole it is expected that the account will approximately balance. The retail prices for white haricot beans have been fixed, by Order of the Food Controller, at 8d. per lb. up to the end of June, 7d. per lb. in July, and 6d. per lb. on and after 1st August. The present wholesale price of 58s. corresponds to the-retail price of 8d., and will be revised to meet the lower retail prices fixed for subsequent months.

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