§ 28. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the price of oats in the open market in Scotland upon 3rd March was 43s. per quarter, and on 26th March it had risen to 50s. per quarter; and whether, in view of these prices and the fact that oatmeal furnishes the breakfast food of a considerable part of the population of Scotland, he will transfer a portion of the subsidy upon flour to oatmeal?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. McCurdy)The prices quoted by the hon. Member are substantially correct. The recent rise in the price of Scottish oats, following a fall, will not, however, increase the price of oatmeal to the consumer; since the price of both oats and oatmeal is still controlled by the Grain (Prices) Order, 1918, and the Oats Products (Retail Prices) Order, 1918, respectively.