§ 58. Captain BAGLEYasked the Food Controller what is the value at pre-war prices of the commodities now obtainable with an old age pensioner's income of 7s. 6d. per week?
§ The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. G. Roberts)The average increase in food prices since the outbreak of War is estimated by the Ministry of Labour to be 10a per cent. On this basis, food costing 7s. 6d. to-day would have been procurable for 3s. 7d. before the War. Other essential commodities have increased in price to an even greater extent, but as they do not fall within the purview of my Department I have confined my statement to the position. as it affects food.