HC Deb 07 July 1925 vol 186 cc216-7
48. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Prime Minister if the Government intend to introduce legislation to provide for the purchase in bulk by the Government of Colonial foodstuffs and the marketing thereof in this country so as to provide foodstuffs at cheaper prices?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. And in this connection I may point put that the Royal Commission on Food Prices were not convinced that State purchases would result in cheapening the food of the people, and recommended the Government to refrain from embarking upon them.

Mr. STEPHEN

Has the Prime Minister changed his opinion, which he stated last year in the Debate on Imperial Preference, with regard to the marketing of Colonial produce? Am I not entitled to get an answer?

Mr. WALLHEAD

Surely the Prime Minister knows whether he has changed his opinion or not.

Mr. SPEAKER

Those things usually are matters of opinion.