§ 6. Sir CHARLES CAYZERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any recent investigation has been made by the Food Council into the retail price of cheese; and, if not, whether he will instruct the council to carry out such an investigation, in view of the benefits which would accrue to British farmers if the margin between the wholesale and retail prices of their cheese could be reduced to the lowest possible level?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The attention of the Food Council has not yet been drawn to any marked variation in the usual margins between the wholesale and retail prices of cheese, but if my hon. Friend has any particular evidence to offer on which an inquiry could appropriately be based, perhaps he will be good enough to send it to me.
§ Sir C. CAYZERIs not my hon. Friend aware that the difference between the wholesale and the retail price of best Cheshire cheese has recently been over 1s. per pound, and does not he think that the retailers' profit of over 150 per cent. is somewhat excessive?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI said that there is no difference as far as I am aware in the usual margin between wholesale and retail prices, but, if my hon. Friend can supply me with any particulars, I will willingly assist him.
§ Sir C. CAYZERI will do so.