HC Deb 13 March 1950 vol 472 cc737-8
33. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister of Food whether he will take steps to ensure that price tickets are placed on all meat sold in butchers' shops, in view of the difficulties caused to many housewives by the lack of price tickets.

Mr. Webb

This is very desirable, and I am asking retailers to do it whenever possible. I do not think it is practicable to do it always, and I do not want to make an Order which we cannot enforce. The Meat Prices Order does, of course, already require butchers to show clearly a list of maximum retail prices for the different cuts and qualities.

Mr. Blackburn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his appointment is a very welcome appointment? May I ask him if he will continue to examine this matter to see that the prices of meat are displayed, and see if anything can be done by encouragement from the Ministry?

Mr. Webb

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's nice remarks. I am willing to examine anything at any time.

Sir William Darling

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that Purchase Tax is not levied on the price labels?

Mr. Webb

I cannot, on my first day here as Minister of Food, begin to answer for another Department.

Forward to