§ 23. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a telegram from Messrs. R. E. Jones, Limited, of Cardiff, calling his attention to the refusal of their millers to supply them with flour for the purpose of making bread; whether this action is due to Messrs. Jones's attempt to reduce the price of the loaf to 8d.; whether he is aware that the action of this same firm has succeeded in reducing the price of the loaf at Swansea to 8d. in spite of similar opposition; and whether his Department proposes to take any steps to secure the delivery of flour to this firm in the interests of the general public of Cardiff and district?
§ 24. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the millers have refused to supply flour to Messrs. R. E. Jones, Limited, at their London, Cardiff, and Swansea branches because they have supplied the 4-lb. loaf at 8d., and that 20 per cent, profit can be made by bakers whilst supplying at this price; and whether, seeing that there is so much unemployment and such low wages paid, he will take steps to ensure supplies to this or any other firm which endeavours to supply bread as cheaply as possible?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am aware that the millers who supply the firm in question with flour for fancy baking; have refused to supply flour for the manufacture of bread which is sold at what they regard as an uneconomic price. I am unable to confirm the statement that 20 per cent, profit can be made by bakers supplying the 4lb. loaf at 8d. There is no compulsion upon a baker to purchase his flour from any particular miller, and I anticipate that the normal processes of competition will cause the price of bread to find its true economic level.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIs the right hon. Gentleman in a position to inform us as to the cause of the recent rise in the cost of flour?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.