HC Deb 20 September 1939 vol 351 cc933-5
50. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many food prices have been fixed up to the moment; what these prices are wholesale and retail; and what was the basis of calculation before the prices were fixed and the period for which they are fixed?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am circulating in the Official Report a list of the Orders which have been made under the Defence Regulations, up to and including yesterday, regulating the prices of various essential foodstuffs, either wholesale or retail, or in some cases both. It is not possible within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question to give the details. Maximum prices have been prescribed on a basis designed to ensure that foodstuffs are sold to the consumer at prices not in excess of those which would allow a fair margin to the sections of the trades concerned having regard to the actual conditions prevailing. No periods are specified, the Orders remaining in force until amended or revoked by subsequent Orders.

Mr. Williams

Where the commodity is partially produced in this country and partially imported will the price fixed apply to the imported article as well as the home-produced one?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. The price will apply whether the article is produced here or imported.

Mr. Thorne

Is it possible to fix a reasonable retail price for fish?

Mr. Morrison

It will be done as soon as possible, but I do not want to tie myself to a date, because there are many considerations involved.

Viscountess Astor

Who invented this fish Order? I would like an answer.

Following is the list:

3rd September, 1939.

The Feeding Stuffs (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939.

The Flour (Prices) No. 1 Order, 1939.

The Pigs (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939. (Amended by the Order of 13th September.)

4th September, 1939.

The Meat (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939. (Revoked by the Order of 9th September so far as it relates to sales by wholesale.)

The Marine Oils (Provisional Control) Order, 1939.

The Oilseeds, Vegetable Oils and Fats (Provisional Control) Order, 1939.

The Animal Oils and Fats (Provisional Control) Order, 1939.

The Margarine and Cooking Fats (Provisional: Control) Order, 1939.

5th September, 1939.

The Tea (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939.

The Sugar (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939. (Revoked by the Order of 9th September.)

The Fatstock (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939. (Revoked by the Order of 9th September.)

6th September, 1939.

The Canned Salmon (Provisional Maximum Prices) Order, 1939.

7th September, 1939.

The Dried Fruits (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939. (Revoked by the Order of 19th September.)

9th September, 1939.

The Fat Stock (Provisional Prices) (No. 2) Order, 1939.

The Meat (Provisional Prices) (No. 2) Order, 1939.

The Sugar (Maximum Prices) Order, 1939.

The Potatoes (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939. (Amended by the Order of 15th September.)

13th September, 1939.

The Butter (Provisional Maximum Prices) Order, 1939.

Order amending the Pigs (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939.

The Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1939. 15th September, 1939.

The Potatoes (Provisional Prices) (No. 2) Order, 1939.

18th September, 1939.

The Condensed Milk (Provisional Prices) Order, 1939.

19th September, 1939.

The Dried Fruits (Maximum Prices) Order, 1939.

Forward to