§ 16. Mr. WILLIAM ROBINSONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inquire into the causes under which the price of bread has recently been increased, making it 100 per cent. over pre-War level?
Mr. WEBBThe most usual price of bread in London during the first half of 1914 was 5½d. per 4 lbs., and the prices prevailing at the present time in London are 8d. and 8½d. per 4 lbs. The advance in price in London is, accordingly, 45 to 55 per cent., not 100 per cent. The information given in the recently issued Report on Cereals, Flour and Bread of the Departmental Committee on Distribution and Prices of Agricultural Produce appears to render it unnecessary to institute any further official inquiry at present.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEHas not one of the main causes been the fall in the dollar value of the £ since the Election?
Mr. WEBBI am not quite sure whether the fluctuations of the dollar value of the £ are accurately reflected in the retail price of bread.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that though wheat is grown under the noses of the Americans, the price is double that in England?