§ 1. Major KELLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the widespread public belief that the price of a loaf should not, under present conditions, exceed 9d.; and whether he has any information to show that undue profits are being made in its production?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Baldwin)In view of the extremely rapid fall which has recently taken place in the price of wheat, some delay in the adjustment of the prices of flour and bread to the latest value of wheat is not, of necessity, a sign of excessive profits, but I have caused inquiries to be made and a careful watch kept on the situation.
§ Major KELLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the 4-lb. loaf is being sold in Scotland to-day at 8d.?
§ Mr. G. BARNESWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake that the prices shall be published, so that people may know the difference between the wholesale and the retail prices?
§ Mr. BALDWINI will consider that.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIs it not a fact that there are very strong millers' reasons on this question, and will he inquire further into the matter?