§ 10. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the wholesale cost of bacon has, since the operation of the bacon quota, increased from 56s. per cwt. to 95s. per cwt. and the selling price from 74s. 8d. per cwt. to 128s. 4d. per cwt., with a consequent increased price to the consumer; and, seeing that this increase in price is leading to a considerable decrease in consumption, especially among poorer people, will he take early steps to revise the present basis of the regulation of bacon imports?
§ Mr. RuncimanI am aware of the rise in bacon prices since 1932, but would point out that during that year prices were at an extremely low and generally unremunerative level. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 24th February, and the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) on 20th April.
§ Mr. GreenDoes not the Minister think that, in view of the alarming increase 944 in prices and the grievances from which the poor are suffering, some action is needed?
§ Mr. RuncimanThe whole question of bacon supplies and regulation is under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand that the Government do not intend to take any steps to arrest the increase in the cost of living?
§ Mr. RuncimanNo, Sir, the hon. Gentleman is not justified in making that assumption.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate what steps the Government intend to take?
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxWill the right hon. Gentleman state whether it is not a fact that the price of bacon when the Labour Government was in power was much higher than at present?