§ 73 Mr. REMERasked the Food Controller (1) what has been the cost to the nation both from the deterioration in quality and from depreciation in value through the renewed control of bacon;
(2) what is the average price paid by the British Government for bacon prior to 9th August; and what is the price paid since that date;
(3) what were the reasons for re-controlling bacon on 9th August?
The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Roberts)There has been no deterioration in the quality or depreciation in the value of bacon which can in any way be attributed to the renewal of control. The reasons for renewing control in August were set out fully in an answer given to the hon. Member for Plaistow on 27th November. Briefly, control was renewed in order to break the continued increase in prices against the consumers in this country which was a feature of the period of decontrol and the saving to the consumers, after allowing for all wastage caused by the un-co-ordinated shipments 394 arranged by private importers during that period is immeasurable. As the Ministry is now buying bacon in open competition on the American market, it would not be in the public interest to give the hon. Member details as to the average, price paid for bacon prior to the 9th August, and the price paid since that date.
Mr. ROBERTSI carefully considered the advice given to me, but I reserved to myself the right to accept it or not.
§ Mr. REMERI beg to give notice that I shall refer to this question on the Adjournment this evening.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that people would rather pay more money and get better bacon?