§ 68. Sir W. Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the cost of food subsidy is £308,000,000, that the percentage in crease in wages over 1939 is 52 per cent., and the percentage increase in the cost of living, food, over 1939 is about 20 per cent., he will, in order to bring home to the public the true facts, take steps to adjust the gap between retail and cost prices.
§ Mr. DaltonI have nothing to add at present to what I said in my last Budget speech.
§ Sir W. SmithersWould it not be fairer and better to all concerned if the right hon. Gentleman reduce this gap by regulated steps?
§ Mr. DaltonI do not understand the question.
§ 69. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of maintaining food prices at their present level and how is the total made, showing, separately, the costs attributed to imported food, home-grown food, home producers and the home wholesale and retail trade.
§ Mr. DaltonAbout £308 million a year at present rates, of which £150 million is for imported and £158 million for home grown supplies. There are no reliable figures for the distribution of these subsidies between the various interests mentioned.
§ Mr. StewartIs the Chancellor aware that the farmers and the farm workers are very interested to know what the exact figures are so that they may judge if the wholesale allowance is a fair one?
§ Mr. DaltonI think the farmers are doing pretty well.
§ Mr. StewartWhat about the farm workers?