§ 47. Mr. Leslieasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to equality of sacrifice, a pooling arrangement could be operated in freightage charges enabling residents in remote parts of the British Isles to obtain food and fuel at a price no less favourable than that which prevails on the mainland?
§ Mr. AttleeAs regards fuel prices, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements made on this matter by the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary for Mines during the Debate on the Mines Department Vote on Account on 19th February. As regards food, the practicability of some such arrangement as that suggested in the Question is under consideration, but the problem of framing any such scheme is very complicated.
§ Mr. LeslieIs my right hon. Friend aware that the bulk of the male population of the Hebrides are serving with the Colours and in the Merchant Navy, with the result that considerable hardship is imposed on the womenfolk there by the level of prices of food and coal at the present time, and cannot something be done soon?
§ Mr. AttleeThat is one of the problems under consideration.