HC Deb 25 June 1935 vol 303 cc935-6
28. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the price of imported flour for the middle of June, 1931, and the comparable figure for June, 1935?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The only countries from which flour was imported in considerable quantities both in 1931 and during the first five months of 1935, were Canada, Australia and France. The price per sack of 280 lbs. of Canadian Spring Patent flour at the middle of June, 1931, was 22s. to 24s. 6d., and at the middle of June, 1935, 25s. to 28s.; the prices at the corresponding dates of Australian flour were 19s. 6d. to 20s. 6d., and 21s. 6d. to 22s. 6d. Comparable quotations for French flour are not available. The quotations for June, 1935, are exclusive of the quota payment of 4s. 6d. per sack.

33. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minster of Labour whether he can state what was the retail price of English beef for the last week in May, 1934 and 1935, taking first and second quality in each case?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Ernest Brown)

The information in my possession is insufficient to enable me to give separate figures as to the prices of English beef, of first and second quality, respectively, but the average retail prices, in the United Kingdom, of those cuts of British beef for which particulars are obtained for the purpose of the official index number relating to changes in the cost of living of working class families were as shown below:

1st June, 1934. 1st June, 1935.
Ribs (per lb.) 1s.2d. 1s.1½d.
Thin Flank (per lb.) 7½d. 7½d.

Mr. WILLIAMS

How is it that all these figures are in the right hon. Gentleman's possession and not in the possession of the Food Council?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member knows that these figures are compiled for purposes for which I have responsibility in connection with the index figure of the cost of living.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Why are not the Board of Trade, to whom the question was originally put, in possession of all these facts? Cannot they obtain them from the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member is concerned with any other figures, I will do my best to help him through my Department.