§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the Biscuits (Charges) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 1947 (S.R. & O., 1947, No. 2556), dated 1st December, 1947, made by the Treasury under Section 2 of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, and Section 5 of the Supplies and Services (Transitional Powers) Act, 1945, a copy of which Order was presented on 3rd December, be approved."—[Mr. Glenvil Hall.]
§ 9.50 p.m.
§ Mr. J. S. C. Reid (Glasgow, Hillhead)There ought to be some discussion about this Order. I would like the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to tell me whether I am right in my understanding of it. I understand that the purpose of the Order is to make certain, following on a policy which was determined some three years ago, that there should be no subsidy on the flour used in biscuits and that it is the growth of the price of wheat and flour which has caused the rise in this subsidy. I notice that less than a year ago, the subsidy amounted to only 24s. on 280 lb. and that it is now 45s. Perhaps the hon. Lady will assure me that nearly doubling the amount of money, represents the fact that the price of flour has nearly doubled in that time. I have a little difficulty in equating that with other figures, particularly those in the Estimates. Perhaps the hon. Lady will tell me that and will also tell me whether this rise of 5s. since the beginning of the 1623 Financial Year was something not foreseen when the Estimates were presented.
§ 9.51 p.m.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)As the House is very familiar with this Order I did not intend to speak on it, but I want to reassure the right hon. and learned Gentleman that his supposition is correct. The increase of 5s. from 40s. per cwt. to 45s. is entirely due to the increase in the price of wheat and the increased cost of manufacture.