§ 32. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether steps are being taken to control food prices in 650 Trinidad; and whether there is any policy adopted to control at the point of origin the prices of food and other essential commodities imported by British Colonies?
§ Colonel StanleyThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the Question, the Colonies are able to share the benefits of many of the co-ordinated purchase schemes of foodstuffs, etc., which have been the result of work of such agencies as the Combined Food Board in Washington. No generalisation is possible, since everything depends on the commodities concerned and the sources from which they must be drawn. I am, however, considering what action can be taken in regard to this problem as a whole.
§ Mr. MathersDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the iniquity' of subsidising prices only to allow the benefit to be taken away from the people in the island by those who are able to put up the price?
§ Colonel StanleyThe hon. Gentleman will realise that many of the sources from which these commodities have to be drawn are outside the control of this country.