HC Deb 31 March 1943 vol 388 cc178-9
52. Dr. Little

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider placing the sale of all alcoholic liquor on points?

Mr. Mabane

My noble Friend is of opinion that my hon. Friend's suggestion, even if desirable, would be impracticable.

Dr. Little

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that in fairness to all, when the necessaries of life are rationed, there should be rationing of a luxury like alcohol?

Mr. Mabane

My hon. Friend spoke of points. I think he will appreciate the difficulty of proper pointing as between champagne and mild and bitter.

Viscountess Astor

Since the Prime Minister made that remarkable and wonderful speech denouncing pub crawlers and saying he wanted more milk for babies, would not this be the time to put some restrictions on liquor?

Mr. Mabane

That is a different question.

Commander Bower

May I have the noble Lady's points?

Dr. Little

As the answer to this Question was so unsatisfactory and as the matter is one of vital importance to the nation at this time, I beg to give notice

The prices paid to farmers in February, 1943, were:—
For milk … … … … 29.91d. per gallon (average)
For eggs … … … … 3s.1d. per dozen (maximum producers' price)
For winter cabbage … … … … from 3s. to 12s. per cwt.
For savoys … … … … from 2s. to 12s. per cwt.
For spring cabbage … … … … from 7s. to 23s. 4d. per cwt
The cabbage prices include quotations for produce that has lost condition, so that the lowest prices quoted are not generally representative.
Corresponding average retail prices in February, 1943 were:—
For non-designated milk … … 35.63d. per gallon
For eggs … … 2s. 0d. per dozen first quality
For eggs … … 1s. 9d. per dozen second quality
For winter cabbage … … 2¾d. per lb.
For savoys … … 2¾d. per lb.
For spring cabbage … … 4¼d. per lb.
Corresponding figures for February, 1939, for milk were 14.87d. paid to producers and 27.50d. retail. Retail milk prices now remain uniform throughout the year; producers prices are higher in the winter than in the summer.
Egg prices before the war both to producers and retailers underwent considerable seasonal fluctuations. During the year 1938–39 the average price for first and second quality eggs in town and country markets in England and Wales (as returned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) was 1s. 6d. a dozen. During the same period retail prices quoted in the Ministry of Labour Gazette (which include eggs imported from Eire and other near European sources) averaged 1s. 10d. a dozen.
No information is available regarding cabbage prices in February, 1939.