HC Deb 11 June 1952 vol 502 cc206-8
49. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Food how many food items, not at present rationed, have gone up in price during the past six months; and by what amount.

Dr. Hill

In the six months to the middle of May, 27 items, apart from seasonal increases in the price of some fresh fruits and vegetables. The increases on individual items range from 4 per cent, to 33 per cent.

Mrs. Mann

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that that is an astounding reply, in view of the fact that the Prime Minister told the electors during the Election that if we had a certain gentleman back at the Ministry of Food we would have that food at half cost?

Dr. Hill

A fairer indication of the food price level is the Index of Retail Food Prices, which has risen in the four months January to April by 3.9 per cent., compared with an increase of 7 per cent. in the first six months of last year.

Mrs. Mann

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that this is a very serious situation, bringing in its train the demand for wage increases, and resulting in difficulties in selling our exports at a competitive price?

Dr. Hill

This is a selective question, intended to produce a particular type of reply. A fairer indication would be to recall the steeper rises in prices in corresponding periods of earlier years.

Mr. Gaitskell

Would the Minister be good enough to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the details of price increases in these unrationed goods?

Dr. Hill

Yes, Sir.

Mrs. Castle

How many of these 27 items of which the prices have risen are those from which the Minister deliberately took off price control since the present Government came into power?

Dr. Hill

It would take a little time to sort them out. They certainly include flour, which is the one responsible for the 33 per cent. figure.

Following are details of the items in question:

Percentage Increase
Flour 33per cent.
Bread 25per cent.
Canned peas 25 percent.
Honey 24 percent.
Dried beans 23 percent.
Semolina 19 percent.
Dried peas 15 percent.
Meat and fish pastes 12 to 15 percent.
Canned meats and meat products 11 percent.
Canned beans in tomato sauce 10 percent.
Canned tomatoes 10 percent.
Coffee 5 to 10 percent.
Barley products 9 percent.
Biscuits 8 percent.
Cereal breakfast foods 8 percent.
Table jellies 6 percent.
Cocoa 4 percent.
Vinegar 4 percent.
Custard powder Some increases for individual brands
Preserves
Dates
Condiments and sauces
Soft drinks
Cake and bun mixtures
Canned soups
Shredded suet
Infant and invalid foods