HC Deb 01 March 1948 vol 448 cc7-8
18. Mr. Touche

asked the Minister of Food why the Ministry decided to increase the price of butter and cheese by 4d. per 1b. to wholesalers in the third week in February; and after instructions had been printed to this effect what was the reason for their withdrawal of this decision.

Dr. Summerskill

As announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancelleor of the Exchequer, the Government have placed a ceiling upon food subsidies and to keep within it the Ministry must review and vary its selling prices from time to time. After one such review arrangements were made within the Ministry with a view to increasing the price of butter and cheese but on further consideration these arrangements were cancelled. As the result of a misunderstanding certain traders in Northern Ireland received a circular issued in error and it is to this circular that the hon. Member presumably refers.

Mr. Touche

Was this increase stopped by order of the Trades Union Congress?

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