§ 32. Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the quantities of bacon which are now in this country, he can see his way to reduce the retail prices, so that consumers may obtain more of this article of food, in view of the shortage of beef and mutton at the present time?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)The price of bacon in this country is governed mainly by its cost in America, and there is at present no prospect that this cost will be reduced. It is, however, in contemplation to issue an Order fixing definite prices for each main cut, instead of leaving the retailer free, as at present, to distribute a gross profit over the whole side or other cut. This will probably result in some reduction of the average price.
§ Mr. GILBERTCan the hon. Gentleman say when the Order will be issued?
§ Mr. CLYNESI should think in the course of a few days.
§ 33. Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are quantites of bacon stored in the port of Hull in quite unfit stores, and that some of this bacon in consequence is quite unfit for human consumption; can he state the quantity which has been so condemned, if any; if so, what quantity has been sold for the purpose of making soap; and will his Department take immediate and drastic action in order to prevent a repetition of this waste of food at this or any other port?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe information at my disposal does not indicate that there is any foundation for the suggestions in this 664 question. So far as I have been able to ascertain, there is no bacon at Hull in unfit stores, or unfit for human consumption, nor has any been condemned or sold for the purpose of making soap. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.