§ 43. Mr. Parkinasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that much extra work is caused to grocers by the awkward prices of small amounts of rationed goods; that with the present controlled and subsidised prices of butter, margarine, cooking fat and cheese at 1s. 6d., 9d., 9d. and 1s. 1d. per lb., respectively, the weekly rations for one cost 3⅜d., 11/6d, 9/6d. and 1⅝d., totalling 7¼d.; and if he will consider changing the prices to 1s. 8d., 8d., 8d. and 1s., when rations for one would cost 3¾d., 1½d., ½d. and 1½d., also totalling 7¼d.
§ Dr. SummerskillAlthough a change in prices in the manner suggested would affect the incidence of subsidies and cause a rise in the cost-of-living index I am having the hon. Member's suggestion investigated and I will let him know the result.