52. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the purchase of cocoa beans by the Government, and the prices charged by his Department to the chocolate manufacturers, he can give an assurance that the price being charged to the manufacturers in this country is not greatly in excess of the price per cwt. of the prices ruling in New York.
§ Mr. StracheyCocoa beans for use in exports are sold to manufacturers at prices closely related to current market levels, but I have agreed not to make frequent changes in the price charged for beans used in the manufacture of home-consumed goods, and consequently the prices in this field differ from the New York prices which fluctuate widely and rapidly. At the moment this price—for the raw material not used for exports, that is to say—is substantially above the New York price.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not a fact that the home manufacturers are charged by the Ministry 200s. per cwt., compared with the New York price of 95s. per cwt.? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that home manufacturers can carry on if the Government profiteer in this way? Is this not a shocking example of profiteering by the Government at the expense of the consumers?
§ Mr. StracheyI could not agree with any of the hon. Gentleman's allegations.
§ Mr. W. FletcherThe right hon. Gentleman used the phrase "current market levels." Would he say what he means by it?
§ Mr. StracheyI was referring to the New York price.
Mr. Wilson HarrisHas not the Ministry of Food been making a great profit at the cost ultimately of the consumers of chocolate?
§ Mr. StracheyWe shall see at the end of the year what profit and loss is made. Because we subsidise some foods very heavily, that does not mean that we do not take a profit out of others.