Distributors' Margins

HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 c698

39. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Food the aggregate amount per annum of the increased margins he has recently granted to distributors.

Major Lloyd George

The increase in grocers' retail margins was given to meet an ascertained fall in nett income due to higher wages, transport charges and higher costs of packing materials, etc. The aggregate yearly value will depend on the total quantities of groceries and provisions distributed over the year and will certainly be less than the increased costs.

Mr. Willey

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House what was the aggregate assumed for the purposes of these negotiations?

Major Lloyd George

An estimate of something in the nature of £10 million.

Mr. Willey

Will this £10 million be borne by the housewives through increased prices?

Major Lloyd George

Eventually, of course, all price increases will be passed to the consumer if they exceed the ceiling which was laid down by right hon. Gentlemen opposite.