§ 13. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Food what reply he has given to the application by the bakers for an increase in the price of bread.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNone, Sir, except that the application is being examined.
§ Mrs. CastleWill the Minister give an assurance that the price of bread to the consumer will not be increased? Will he give a further assurance that in any price adjustment which he does make there will be no reduction in the flour subsidy?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThis application, as the hon. Lady knows, is in respect of the 14-oz. loaf. That has been examined on the basis of the claims made, and even were it acceded to the other loaf would have to be sold at the same price.
§ Mrs. CastleThe Minister has not answered my point. If I may repeat it it was that if he has to make any price increase, because of a concession to the bakers, will he give an assurance that the price of bread to the consumer will not be increased, but will be off-set by an increase in the flour subsidy?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThat is rather a different question. I must repeat what I said to the hon. Lady, that even were this particular application granted, the other loaf would have to be sold at the 948 same time, so that people could have their choice.