HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 cc698-9
40. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of Food which items of food have increased in price since October, 1951.

Major Lloyd George

Taking the increases on all kinds of food both rationed and unrationed and including all seasonal rises, the number of increases is 16.

I will with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hynd

Are those famous 16 items, in which prices have been increased, in accordance with what we were commonly led to believe by the Election promises of hon. Gentlemen opposite?

Major Lloyd George

At least it is not such a rapid rise as was the case previously. The hon. Gentleman must realise that it takes a little time to stop these increases.

Mr. Douglas Jay

Has the Minister any proposals at all for bringing any of these prices down?

Major Lloyd George

The right hon. Gentleman knows as well as anybody that the proposals put forward by the Government are aimed at stabilising these things.

Captain Pilkington

Was there any single item of food which did not have an increase in price under the previous Administration?

Following are the details: Some cereals and cereal products; bacon; sago, tapioca, arrowroot, semolina; canned beans; canned strained infant foods; cheese; fish and meat paste; fresh fish; some fresh fruit and vegetables; some jams and preserves; jellies; milk; pulses; rabbits; shredded suet; vinegar.