73. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food on what day the present price of pigs was fixed; whether this was on the same day as the new order fixing the price of feeding-stuffs; and, since the price of feeding-stuffs showed a very heavy percentage rise, he will so adjust the price of pigs as to allow for the rise which was permitted in the price of feeding-stuffs?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe present prices of pigs came into force on 15th January last; those of feeding-stuffs on 8th January. The former were fixed so as to reflect the increases in the prices of feeding-stuffs which have occurred since the outbreak of war, including those which took effect on 8th January.
Mr. De la BèreDoes my right hon. Friend realise the one essential and vital fact that the cost of production is higher than the selling price? What steps does he propose to take to adjust this matter?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a matter ofopinion.