HC Deb 30 January 1952 vol 495 cc193-4
51. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Minister of Food whether he will introduce early measures either to reduce or to control the price, or to ensure a more equitable distribution, of unrationed food.

The Minister of Food (Major Lloyd George)

I cannot accept the assumption that unrationed foods are not equitably distributed, nor do I think that an extension of price control over them would be in the public interest or would effectively promote the ends the hon. Member has in mind.

Sir R. Acland

Is it not probable, after the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday, that many unrationed foods—canned meats and so on —are bound to be very much more scarce a few months hence than they are now? Surely some steps have to be in preparation now to make sure that those foods do not go to the places where the highest prices will be paid?

Major Lloyd George

Experience of control has shown that very often when the control goes on the goods disappear under the counter. The essential point in any question of control is that the control should be effective. That is the main criterion.

Mrs. Barbara Castle

Is the Minister aware that immediately following the announcement of the import cuts last November the price of tinned ham in this country rose by more than 1s. per lb. for the remaining stocks, which was a gratuitous exploitation of scarcity? Could not his Ministry quite easily have prevented that exploitation of the housewife by putting on a price control?

Major Lloyd George

It really would not have been easy in relation to the stock available, and that is even more true now. The fact is that the distribution—which was referred to in one part of the hon. Baronet's question—was very well done by the people responsible. I must repeat that experience so far has been that very scarce commodities tend to disappear altogether.

Sir R. Acland

Are goods going to be more plentiful three months hence than they were when we had points rationing in force? Could not that scheme be reconsidered?

Major Lloyd George

The points scheme operated in very different circumstances from those today, and to reimpose it, even if I thought it would be a good thing at the present time, would be not only extremely difficult but extremely costly in manpower.

Sir R. Acland

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at an early opportunity on the Adjournment.