HC Deb 07 November 1949 vol 469 c874
27. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Food what action he proposes to take on the representations made to him by the Tourist and Holidays Board that the maintenance of the 5s. limit on meals is detrimental to the development and improvement of hotel and catering services.

Mr. Strachey

I appreciate the importance of helping the catering trade to earn dollars but I cannot see my way to relax the price control on meals for the present.

Mr. Keeling

Is the Minister of Food aware that this regulation is the only one the removal of which would immediately increase the dollar yield without having to import any extra raw materials? Is there anything behind this order except prejudice?

Mr. Strachey

I do not think I should agree that there was only prejudice behind it. There is an important political principle behind it. I appreciate the importance of the dollar argument, but these two things have to be weighed against each other—fair shares or the earning of extra dollars.

Mr. William Shepherd

Will the Minister say what is the use of subsidising this Tourist Board, as the Government do, if, when they tender advice, the right hon. Gentleman simply ignores it?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly not. We have considered their advice carefully but it has to be weighed against the maintenance of fair shares in food, which is important.

Mr. Butcher

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how fair shares are related to price, because shares are controlled by rations and not by price

Mr. Strachey

No, in the case of many unrationed foods in restaurants, the price is the only controlling factor.