HC Deb 17 July 1946 vol 425 cc1222-3
58. Mr. Cluse

asked the Minister of Food to what extent his regulations provide for the control of retail prices of certain spirits and wines, the prices of which have been communicated to him by the hon. Member for South Islington: and if he will take action against certain firms who are charging extortionate prices to the public.

Mr. Strachey

The retail prices of the spirits or wines referred to are not controlled.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Minister explain why he can control the prices of imported wines and cannot control the prices of home made spirits?

Mr. Strachey

There is a somewhat elaborate system of voluntary agreements in this trade which has worked quite well——

Mr. Keeling

I mean Government control.

Mr. Strachey

I should be unwilling to disturb those agreements as they are today. I am willing to review them, but at first sight, at any rate, they appear to be working quite well.

Mr. Cluse

But does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the list of prices sent to him by myself makes it appear that the voluntary arrangements are not carried out by a certain number of wholesalers?

Mr. Strachey

I think that these voluntary arrangements are not so perfectly uniform as complete compulsory control, but I should be 10th to extend them, because I think that on the whole the voluntary agreements are not working badly.

Mr. Hoy

Will the Minister note that the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) is asking for a further extension of controls?