§ 68. Sir M. DOCKRELLasked the Food Controller what are the articles of food upon the cost of which is based the official percentage of rise or fall in the cost of living; is the controlled price of these articles that which is taken at the time of computing the cost of living; how is controlled price determined; is it treated as a mean between maximum market price and minimum market price, and how frequently are controlled prices changed; and, in view of the fact that the cost of food is so high and is a potent factor in retarding industrial recovery, can he arrange that controlled prices shall promptly respond to each improvement in shipping and other conditions?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe official figures, which are published by the Ministry of Labour, are based upon the prices of the following articles of food: Meat (various cuts), both home-killed and imported, bacon, bread, flour, tea, sugar, milk, potatoes, margarine, butter, cheese, eggs, and fish. The prices from which the figures are compiled are the actual prices paid by the working classes for the articles generally bought by them, and are not necessarily maximum prices. The necessary particulars are collected by the Ministry of Labour throughout the country. The answer to the last part of the 30 question is in the affirmative. Retail prices are fixed after the fullest inquiry into the costs at the various stages of production and distribution and are continually being revised in the light of changes in any of these factors.
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLI do not think the hon. Gentleman has answered that portion of my question in which I ask is the controlled price of these articles that which is taken at the time of computing the cost of living? Having regard to the fact that these figures as to the cost of living are so constantly used in trade disputes it is most important that we should know this.
§ Mr. McCURDYYes, Sir. I think when the hon. Gentleman reads my reply he will find that I have given a very precise answer to the question he put to me.