HC Deb 08 December 1952 vol 509 cc32-3
50. Mr. Wiley

asked the Minister of Food what effect the withdrawal of the subsidy on animal feedingstuffs will have upon retail food prices.

Dr. Hill

I should prefer not to speculate on the consequence of a decision which has not been taken.

Mr. Willey

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his right hon. and gallant Friend has already let the cat out of the bag, in that he has already revealed that he is discussing the slashing of the subsidy?

Dr. Hill

The discussion of a matter does not necessarily indicate the nature of the conclusion.

Mr. Wiley

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that that is offensive, when we are already discussing a further slashing of the subsidy just after we have had the price increase which the Chancellor told us would be the last price increase?