§ 25. Mr. Silvermanasked the Minister of Agriculture the average price of wheat per cental in 1914 and 1938, respectively; and the price of a 4-lb. loaf in each of those years?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe average prices of English wheat in 1914 and 1938 as returned under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, were 7s. 3d. and 6s. respectively per cental and the average declared values of imported wheat in those years were 7s. 6d. and 6s. 9d. respectively per cental, excluding the import duty charged on foreign wheat imported in the latter year. Prices of the 4-lb. loaf of bread averaged approximately 6d. in 1914 and 9d. in 1938.
§ Mr. SilvermanWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain how it is that when the price of wheat is lower the price of bread is higher?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI think the answer is that there has been an increase 1697 in the overhead charges and the cost of labour. As far as the Wheat Act is concerned, if that is what the hon. Member is getting at, of the rise only ½d. could be attributed to the levy on flour.
§ Mr. SilvermanWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say if—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member cannot argue these questions of prices at Question Time.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAre we not entitled to ask why, when the price of the raw material is reduced, the price of the finished article is increased by 50 per cent.?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member may put down a question, but he will not get an answer at Question Time.