46. Mr. J. T. Priceasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on his recent negotiations with the Master Bakers' Association; what increase in profit margins has been granted; and what the effect of this increase will be on the price of the 2lb. loaf.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMy discussions with the Association covered a wide range of matters of particular concern to small bakers. No increase in the profit margin has been granted but, as I announced in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Dudley Williams) on 10th April, I have arranged for more speedy adjustment of the rate of bread subsidy in order to help the industry.
Mr. PriceIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, in spite of what he said, great publicity is being given in the national Press in the direction of suggesting that concessions are being granted to certain sections of the baking industry? Does he not agree that the present price of bread is one of the most damning in dictments, above all others, against this Government?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeWith regard to the point about publicity, I answered a Question on 10th April in regard to more speedy adjustment of the subsidy and that is the question to which some publicity has been given.