HC Deb 13 November 1940 vol 365 c1707
58. Mr. Tinker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the sum of money paid since the war started on food subsidies; what will be the amount this financial year; what are the articles subidised and the amount paid for each?

Major Lloyd George

For the first seven months of war coming within the financial year ended 31st March, 1940, the deficit on the Ministry's trading accounts receiving subsidies amounted to approximately £19,500,000, of which a little more than one-half was accounted for by the subsidy on bread and flour, one-quarter by the subsidy on meat and the balance by the subsidies on bacon and liquid milk. The cost of these subsidies for the current financial year can be roughly estimated at £80,000,000 per annum. Bread, flour and meat account for the greater part of this sum.

Mr. Tinker

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman and his Noble Friend give consideration to the question of extending the subsidy to other articles of essential need to the poorer classes?

Major Lloyd George

I cannot answer that question without notice.