HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1787-8
67. Mr. Riley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Order which came into operation on 6th October fixing the maximum retail prices of flour is causing great dissatisfaction among consumers in the West Riding of Yorkshire; that it is a common practice in the West Riding of Yorkshire for housewives to bake their own bread; that the new maximum retail prices mean an increase of 4½d. per stone in the cost of flour to the housewife; and will he consider what alteration in the Order he can make to meet this difficulty?

Major Lloyd George

I am aware that some dissatisfaction has been expressed by housewives in the West Riding of Yorkshire over recent increases in the price of flour. I must point out, however, that while it is a common practice for many North country housewives to bake their own bread, a large proportion of them buy bread from shops. The retail price of flour which was previously uncontrolled, can now be increased only within the limits of the maximum prices laid down. As the average housewives' weekly consumption of flour for bread making in the area referred to is not likely to exceed a stone, the present maximum price cannot be considered a great hardship. All flour is still heavily subsidised, and the price is low. My Noble Friend does not therefore see his way to alter the Order.

Mr. Riley

Does the Parliamentary Secretary dispute the allegation in the Question of an increase of 4½d. per stone of flour for home baking, and if he does not dispute it, does he think that it is justified, and can he do something to find a remedy?

Major Lloyd George

It is advisable that we should differentiate between flour used for baking and flour used for other purposes, and this is the reason for the alteration. An increase of 4½d. a stone is something under ½d. per lb., and I believe that I am right in saying that, with this increase, it will still be cheaper to bake at home than to buy of the baker.