80. Mr. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the selling price of bread in the Blackpool district is 1s. 2d. per 4-lb. loaf, cheese is selling from 1s. 4d. and 2s. per lb., butter beans 1s. per lb., Danish bacon 1s. 8d. per lb., and marmalade 1s. 7d per 2-lb. jar; and if he intends making inquiries into the high price of foodstuffs in the town and district mentioned?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe prices quoted by the hon. Member are not the same as those reported to the Board of Trade; but they do not differ very materially. As regards butter beans, however, the price given by the hon. Member, if charged, would be contrary to the Peas, Beans and Pulse (Retail Prices) Order. Immediate inquiry is being made on this point. As regards other articles, it must be borne in mind that Blackpool is a holiday resort, and that prices are consequently higher than in the neighbouring industrial towns.
Mr. THORNEThis question refers to an area where there is a pleasure resort. Is that any reason why the people of that particular town should be allowed to exploit the people who go there?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am told that in such cases they have to keep large machinery going for the season when the town is full; such machinery is not work- 1784 ing when the town is empty. Therefore costs are higher even than they would be in a place where there is a more even distribution all the year round.
Mr. THORNEDoes not that mean that the people who supply food break through all the rules and regulations of the Food Controller?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir; I do not think it means that.
§ Mr. FLAVINWhat is the common sense and practical use of the Food Controller announcing a maximum or minimum weight for a loaf of bread when the consumer has no protection whatever as to the price he has to pay for that loaf of bread?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is a question that should be referred to the Food Controller himself.