53. Mr. De la Beèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the in crease in the price of bread which has been recommended by the London Joint Bread Price Committee on or after 20th May, he can state what percentage of this proposed increase will be passed on to the bakers?
§ Mr. BoothbyI presume my hon. Friend refers to the recent increase of ¼d. in the price of the 1 lb. loaf in the London area recently recommended to bakers by the London Joint Price Committee. In so far as effect is given by bakers to this recommendation the increase of price will accrue to those bakers.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that unless problems are solved at their roots they beget other problems, and it then becomes incumbent to solve those other problems?
§ Mr. BoothbyYes, Sir.
54. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can now make some statement regarding the Government's intentions over the introduction of national or standard bread throughout the country?
§ 59. Major Carverasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is satisfied with the present position with regard to the nutritive value of bread generally sold to the public in this country; whether he has yet been able to consider the recommendation sent to him by a group of Members of this House interested in the scientific aspect of this matter; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter having regard to the desirability of enabling the public to obtain the maximum nourishment from bread?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe whole question of the nutritive value of bread is now under consideration and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
§ Sir Francis FremantleHas this question not been settled 20 years ago?
§ Mr. BoothbyNot so far as I am aware.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs this not a most important issue?