§ 18. Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Agriculture what changes have taken place in the price of butter in the course of the last month; how present prices compare with those prevailing in 1929; and whether supplies are now adequate to meet all requirements?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe average price per cwt. on the London Provision Exchange of New Zealand butter has fallen from 150s. in the first week of November to 110s. last week, and that of Danish butter from 159s. 6d. to 150s. 6d. Prices of these two classes of butter in November were 23 per cent. and 21 per cent. respectively lower than in 794 November, 1929. As regards the last part of the question, prospective arrivals from Australia and New Zealand during the current month are likely to be well in excess of those for last year, and supplies in January should be heavier than they were in January of this year. Considerable stocks of butter are also, of course, held in this country.
§ Mr. SilvermanCan the Minister say what are the comparative prices for soft soap over the same period?
§ Mr. Kirk woodIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that there are tens of thousands of people in this country who have not got an adequate income to enable them to purchase butter, and will he use his influence with the Cabinet to see that it is made possible for butter to reach all and sundry in this country?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a rather larger question, but my answer has made it clear that the price of butter is now lower than it was in 1929.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWhen is the new formula as applied to butter and cheese likely to operate?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is another question.