§ 67. Mr. Tinkerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the feeling prevailing about the increase in the prices of essential commodities such as food and coal; and what steps he is taking, by subsidy or otherwise, to prevent any such rise following the rise in the minimum wage of the agricultural labourer, which it is estimated will cost £15,000,000 to £20,000,000 sterling?
§ Sir K. WoodThe food index has fallen from 170 at the time of my Budget Speech to 165 on 1st November, and I cannot agree that there has been any increase of food prices in general during this period. With regard to coal prices, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 21st October, since when there have been no further increases in prices. The matter referred to in the second part of the Question is under consideration.
§ Mr. TinkerCan something be done on the lines that I have suggested?