§ 42. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Food to what extent the total paid in subsidies on bacon, meat and tea is to be increased following the increase in the weekly ration of those commodities.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe total extra cost in the year 1949–50 is estimated at £5.4 million. Of this amount £2.6 million was included in the estimate given on 1st November in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Hull (Captain Hewitson).
§ Sir I. FraserDoes the answer mean that the subsidy will meet the cost or that the consumer will meet it?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe subsidy will meet the cost.
§ Sir I. FraserIs that consistent with the statement of the Chancellor about limitations on the subsidy?
§ Dr. SummerskillI would remind the hon. Gentleman that in my answer I referred to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Hull, and then the subsidy was at £462 million.
§ Captain CrookshankDoes that mean that if ever the ration is increased, we have to consider an increase in the subsidy, and that therefore the extra payment comes from the taxpayers?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, the right hon. and gallant Member must realise that these subsidies fluctuate from month to month and that the prices fluctuate. The Chancellor of the Exchequer gave the undertaking that he hopes to keep it at £465 million and that is why I have told the hon. Member what the subsidy is now.
§ Mr. HarrisonWill my right hon. Friend consider increasing the national expenditure on subsidies by bringing forward by a fortnight the increased allocation of sugar, so that we can have more for Christmas?