§ 31. Mr. McKinlayasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether there has been any reduction in the price charged to Group 1 manufacturers for meat used in manufacturing moat products?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThere have been no substantial changes in the prices 1534 charged to Group 1 manufacturers of meat products. Although there have been minor adjustments in both directions, on balance their effect has not been to reduce the cost to manufacturers.
§ Mr. McKinlayIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that on the day following the food Debate in this House recently, Messrs. Lewis, in Glasgow, reduced the price of cooked sausages by 6d. a lb.? Is he prepared to take steps to put an end to the gross profiteering by this organisation in preserved and cooked foods?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot accept what the hon. Gentleman says about gross profiteering, but if he will bring any case to my notice, I will have it looked into.
§ Mr. McKinlayIs it not standing out a mile that if a firm can reduce by 6d. a lb. the price of cooked sausages 24 hours after a Debate, when there has been no reduction in the price of raw material, they have obviously charged 6d. more than they ought to have charged before the date of the Debate?
§ Mr. McGovernLet us have another Debate.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not quite see the point about it "standing out a mile," but if the hon. Gentleman will let me have full particulars, I will give them consideration.