HC Deb 28 April 1952 vol 499 cc1009-10
27. Mrs. E. M. Braddock

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that many families are unable now to purchase to the full extent of their rations due to rising prices; and what steps he intends to take to restore the ability to these families to purchase in full the ration allowed.

Major Lloyd George

There is no evidence to suggest that the modest increase in the prices of rationed foods since October has affected the extent to which they are being bought.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that this Question applies particularly to the inability of people to purchase their rations of bacon? Is he aware that there is evidence in shops in working-class areas that bacon is now piling up, and will he see that the price is reduced, so that this important working-class commodity can be purchased by those who would like to eat it?

Major Lloyd George

The actual increase in the price of rationed commodities since 31st October of last year totals 2¼d. a week and the latest figures on the take-up of bacon, which go up to the week ending 5th April, show that 100 per cent. was taken up.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the retail price index for food rose 22 points between the General Election of 1950 and the General Election of 1951, that it has risen only 4 points since then, and that we are making efforts to bring in legislation to compensate those who are hardest hit? Can we therefore count on the support of the Opposition in putting this legislation on to the Statute Book?

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that 3s. 10d. a lb. for bacon and 4s. 1d. for ham is completely outside the range of a working-class family's budget?

Major Lloyd George

I answered the Question which the hon. Lady asked me about the increase in the price of rationed commodities. The total increase per week on rationed commodities since October is 2¼d.

29. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Food what items of food it is his intention to increase in price; when these increases will apply; and when he anticipates introducing his policy of complete de-rationing and decontrol.

Major Lloyd George

As regards the first two parts of the Question, the items to be increased and the dates of the increases will be announced at the appropriate time. As regards the last part, in the long run I hope to de-ration all foods but hope of early progress in this direction must, of course, be tempered by our general balance of payments difficulties and in some cases by the supply prospects.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that at a private meeting of Tories last week he said that the effect of his policy was to increase food prices and de-ration and decontrol? Is he aware that if he carries that policy out the poor will not be getting their rations, which will be bought by the rich, who will then be getting more than their share?

Major Lloyd George

In the speech I made last week I said what my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said when he opened his Budget in which he forecast that some prices would rise as a result of the subsidy policy.