§ 52. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food what the price of butter, margarine and other fats would be without the present subsidy.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn the current financial year the retail price of butter without subsidy would have been 2s. 1d. per lb., and on 1946 costs, the retail prices of domestic margarine, cooking fat and lard without subsidy would have been, respectively, 9¾d., 10d. and 1s. 1½d.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs it not a fact that the subsidy is made necessary, mainly owing to the money squandered in bulk purchases?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, that is not a fact.
§ Sir W. SmithersOf course it is.
§ Dr. SummerskillThese prices are in accordance with the stabilisation policy of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.