§ 58. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Food why the price paid f.o.b. for government-controlled French wines and brandy was only 10 per cent. less after 378 devaluation of the franc, although the franc was devalued by about 45 per cent.
§ Dr. SummerskillAs I told the hon. Member in my letter of 23rd June, prices of wines and brandy in France have increased, so that we do not get the full benefit of the devaluation.
§ Mr. KeelingWhat about the f.o.b. price? Was that not reduced, as the hon. Lady said in her reply of 28th June?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Gentleman wrote to me, and asked that question before, and I gave him the full details in my letter of 23rd June. If he will read that letter he will find the full answer to his supplementary question.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Minister aware that claret bought by the trade and not by the Government has been reduced in price by 20 per cent. since the de-valuation, as an act of grace on the part of the shippers? Is that not a striking proof of the heavy burden which is imposed upon the consumers by Government buying?
§ Dr. SummerskillThis has nothing to do with Government buying at all. It is a question of the prices paid to French growers. We are told that the prices of grapes and bottling have increased. We cannot influence the policy of the French growers.