45. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the administration of commodity controls in general, he will examine each month, the cost of production in each particular industry, with a view to ensuring that in cases where the controlled prices fall below the cost of production prices, the necessary amendments shall be made before such industries concerned shall have sustained material loss?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)In connection with Orders imposing maximum prices on goods made in this country, a close watch is kept on any changes in costs of production that may occur. Moreover, the makers of the goods concerned draw attention, without delay, to any changes of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards agriculture, an undertaking has been given that the prices of the major products will be remunerative, having regard, among other things, to changes in such costs.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware of the material losses sustained by the oldest individual industry in this country, that of agriculture, under the livestock control schemes, and that the Minister of Food is busily undoing all that the Minister of Agriculture is trying to do? Will the Prime Minister have a word with the Lord Privy Seal, who is Chairman of the Committee of the War Cabinet dealing with this matter, to ensure that this shall be put right at the earliest possible moment?