HC Deb 09 May 1939 vol 347 c268
17. Mr. Day

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the increase in the wholesale price of straight-run flour to bakers in London from October, 1931, to the last convenient date?

Mr. Stanley

The increase in the official wholesale price of straight-run flour on 8th May, 1939, as compared with October, 1931, is 10s. 6d. per sack of 280 lbs. This includes the wheat quota payment of 6s. 6d.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the difference between the wheat quota prices of 1935 and 1936?

Mr. Stanley

Not without notice.

Mr. De la Bère

Is this not a case where the Food Council should do something to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission?

Mr. Stanley

The rise in the price of flour, excluding wheat quota payments is, I think, proportionately less than the rise in the case of most other commodities.

Mr. John Morgan

Have not the variations been very steep and continuous?

Mr. A. Reed

Is it not the fact that with the prices which were prevalent in 1931 unemployment was at its greatest and everyone in a distressed condition?