HC Deb 20 July 1943 vol 391 c696
59. Mr. Tinker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the articles that are receiving a subsidy to stabilise the cost of living; and what is the estimated annual cost for 1943 for the Treasury to meet?

Sir K. Wood

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The main effect of the stabilisation subsidies is to hold down the price of food, though to a much smaller extent the subsidies are applied to clothing also. In addition to the subsidies administered by the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Agriculture there are various forms of transport subsidy. The total cost of the policy for 1943 is estimated at about£210,000,000 if the special health schemes for milk and vitamins are included, or at about£188,000,000 if these are omitted.

The foods which are being sold below cost at the present time are: Bread arid flour, potatoes, sugar, milk, meat, bacon, eggs, canned fish, and tea.