HC Deb 27 April 1950 vol 474 cc1133-4
60. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much of the £36,000,000 cut in feedingstuffs subsidy is being paid by the consumer in higher prices; and how much must come from farming profits.

Mr. T. Williams

There is no close connection between the recently announced increase in farmers' prices on the one hand and consumers' prices on the other. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food indicated on 5th April changes in consumers' prices are the outcome of many different factors, including variations in the cost of home-grown and imported food and in the volume of supplies. In answer to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon Friend the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Gooch) on 20th April.

Mr. Osborne

Would not the Minister admit that, whatever sum has to be paid by the consumer, it falsifies the Chancellor of the Exchequer's claim that only bread would go up in price as the result of devaluation'?

Mr. Williams

I do not think my right hon. and learned Friend ever made such a statement.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Does not the right hon. Gentleman possess a wireless set?