63. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider appointing additional members to the Food Council, with a view to assisting them in inquiring into the cost of milling expenses and profits, in view of the high price of wheat offals compared with the price of wheat?
§ Mr. StanleyThe Food Council is concerned with articles of food for human consumption, and I am afraid I could not regard an inquiry designed to investigate the prices of wheat offals as appropriate to the council's functions.
Mr. De la BèreDoes my right hon. Friend realise that some inquiry into the cost of milling expenses and profits is essential; and is he aware that the Royal Commission of 1925 laid it down that inquiries were essential in view of the price-fixing associations which existed in the milling industry. How long are these milling manoeuvres to continue?
§ Mr. StanleyI have already answered a question on that subject within the last few days.
Mr. De la BèreIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall continue the matter when Parliament reassembles, and shall go on and on.
§ Mr. ManderIs the Prime Minister aware that, in the event of any vacancies occurring among the Under-Secretaries, there are some very suitable applicants on the other side of the House?