HC Deb 27 March 1939 vol 345 cc1696-7
25. Mr. Silverman

asked 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-Smith

The 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. Silverman

Will 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-Smith

I think the answer is that there has been an increase 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. Silverman

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say if—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member cannot argue these questions of prices at Question Time.

Mr. T. Williams

Are 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. Speaker

The hon. Member may put down a question, but he will not get an answer at Question Time.