69. Mr. DOYLEasked the Food Controller how long he anticipates the control of the principal articles of food will last; what steps are being taken to release essential articles; and what are the profits received by his Department on meat, bacon, butter, sugar, and cheese during the last twelve months?
Mr. ROBERTSIt is extremely difficult to forecast with any accuracy the future of the world food supplies, and consequently to set a limit to a continuance of some degree of control. Generally speaking, I propose to free all home agricultural products except wheat during the first six months of next year. As I have already stated, so long as there is a world shortage of sugar and of butter some method of organised distribution of these commodities must be maintained. The rigid 237 measures of control appropriate to war conditions are, in my opinion, unsuited for a period of transition; but I am clear in my own mind that some degree of supervision of our food supplies will have to be exercised for at least three years to come. What powers will be necessary to enforce this supervision and to what Department of State the appropriate functions should be entrusted will be for Parliament to determine.
The latest available accounts of the trading transactions of the Ministry of Food, namely, those for the financial year ending 31st March last, are published in Command Paper 286, to which I would refer the hon. Member. It is not possible at the present stage to give figures for the financial year ending 31st March next, but I may say, that, so far as it is possible to estimate in advance, I anticipate that over the three years ending 31st March next, the margin of profit made by the Ministry will amount probably to not more than one-tenth of 1 per cent. over the whole turnover during this period.
Sir F. HALLWhat has it been during the last twelve months, not what it will be in the next three years?
Mr. ROBERTSIf my hon. Friend will read the reply he will see that I referred him to Command Paper 286, in which he will get all the information.
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the case of certain articles of food which were recently decontrolled the effect was a considerable rise in price, and can he also say in regard to the opinion already expressed how far that opinion represents the view of the Government?
Mr. ROBERTSIt is quite time that in the case of one article which I can call to mind, the decontrol had the effect of a slight reduction in price, and thereafter a considerable advance in price. Therefore we came to the conclusion that decontrol was not in the best interests of the consumer. With respect to the future of the Ministry, of course., that will be for Parliament to determine; our existence will automatically come to an end about August next, and some action must be taken by the Government.
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the reply of the right hon. Gentleman I beg to give notice that at an early date I 'shall raise the question.
§ Mr. E. WOODHas the right hon. Gentleman definitely decided to continue control of home produced meat until 31st July?
Mr. ROBERTSI have decided to continue it for the present. I do not know whether one can continue it down to 31st July.