§ 68. Sir ALFRED YEOasked the Food Controller if he will consider the advisability of a special investigation into the question of controlled prices of all food stuffs, including milk, in consequence of the grave misunderstanding that is constantly arising?
70. Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked whether it is proposed to appoint a Committee of the House to draw up a policy with the object of lowering the prices of essential foodstuffs?
§ Mr. McCURDYA Committee representative of local authorities is already sitting in order to investigate the figures upon which the winter milk prices were fixed. As regards foodstuffs generally prices are mainly governed by economic conditions prevailing not only in this country, but in all countries, and the Food Controller does not consider that any useful purpose would be served at the 1626 present time by the appointment of such a Committee or the commencement of such an investigation as is suggested. I would remind hon. Members that the Government has already appointed a Committee to inquire into high prices and-profits. The Committee has not yet reported.
§ Lord HUGH CECILWould it not be wise to abolish all controlled prices except in rationed articles?
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman state how it came about that a Committee was appointed to investigate this matter after prices had been fixed— I refer to milk?
§ Mr. McCURDYIn reply to the right hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Clynes), the milk prices were fixed after, in the first case, exhaustive inquiries by a travelling Commission, which examined the costs of production in all parts of the country. Therefore the implication in the question of the right hon. Gentleman that prices were fixed before the inquiry was held is not warranted. Inquiry was held both before and after.
§ Mr. CLYNESThen what is the reason for further investigation?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe reason for further investigation is that the cost of milk has caused inconvenience and discontent in different parts of the country, and in consequence of this discontent a large number of representations have been made to the Food Controller. With a view of meeting those representations, he has consented to lay the whole of the evidence available before representatives of the local food committees, chosen from all parts of the country. In reply to the question of the Noble Lord (Lord Hugh Cecil), I cannot assent to his suggestion, in view of the unquestionable! fact that as regards most foodstuffs there will unquestionably be an excess of effective demand over world supplies in the course of next year.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the hon. Gentleman note that the quality of the milk has materially decreased, and is in many cases being watered, and what is his Department doing to protect the children of this country having to drink watered milk?