§ 33. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Food if he will now review the State bulk-buying of food in the light of experience gained as a result of handing back the purchase of some foods to private traders.
§ Mr. F. Willeyour methods of buying are under constant review.
§ Mr. Russellis it not a fact that since the Parliamentary Secretary's right hon. Friend handed back the bulk buying of tea and several kinds of fruit to private traders there have been substantial increases in imports and much less friction between Government and Government? Does not the hon. Gentleman think that the same thing would occur if other commodities, like meat, were handled like that?
§ Mr. Willeyevents have proved, or are proving, that my right hon. Friend was right in the decisions which he took.
§ Mrs. Manndoes my hon. Friend not agree that the payment by the housewife to private enterprise of lls. a 1b. for gammon, 5s. a lb. for cheese and 5s. a lb. for fish is calling for more bulk buying?
§ Mr. Willeyi think the housewife appreciates that it is largely through long-term Government contracts that we have been able, relatively speaking, to hold down food prices.