HC Deb 16 June 1952 vol 502 cc767-9
31. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Food whether, as the figure of Is. 6d. per head per week for the price rise of subsidised foods, rationed and unrationed, was based on the best estimates at the time of the Budget of what our supplies of food would cost us during the year, he will make a statement on the increases announced some 10 days ago and their effect on this estimated figure of Is. 6d.

Major Lloyd George

The figure of Is. 6d. per head per week related to subsidised foods and still holds good.

Miss Burton

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman really telling the housewives of this country that the cost of living has gone up only Is. 6d. per head per week this year?

Major Lloyd George

The hon. Lady's question referred to food. The answer I have given is Is. 6d. per head, and that is the figure, which I see no reason to alter.

Miss Burton

I am certainly referring to food. Does the Minister still maintain that the increase has been only Is. 6d. per head per week?

Major Lloyd George

As a matter of fact, the figure has not yet reached Is. 6d. per week. I have got the figures here, and that figure has not yet been reached. Therefore, I repeat that the figure of 1s. 6d. on subsidised foods still holds good.

33. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Food how many rationed foods have increased in price since 1st November, 1951; how many have decreased; and what is the total effect of the price increases on the retail price index.

Major Lloyd George

Four rationed foods have increased in price since 1st November, 1951, and two have decreased in quantity. Increases in the prices of bacon and cheese have raised the All Items Index by about 1⅓ points. The increases in the prices of meat and tea only became effective on 15th June and are not yet reflected in the Index.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the Minister circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of that answer, and will he consult with his colleague the Parliamentary Secretary who not so long ago said that output was proportionate to intake? There is going to be a very serious decline in output if it is going to be proportionate to intake.

34. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Food the total increase in price over the whole weekly ration since last October; and how the figure of 2¼d. per ration book was arrived at for the date of 30th April last.

Major Lloyd George

The cost of the weekly rations today is about 8½d. more than the cost of the rations at 25th October, 1951. As a number of figures are involved in answering the second part of the Question, I will, with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the Minister say whether that includes the recent increases in the price of meat?

Major Lloyd George

Yes, Sir. The hon. Gentleman's original figure was that as at 30th April, but the 8½d. includes the latest increases.

Mr. Jay

Will the Minister give an assurance that he will make no further

Rationed Commodity Ration level at 25.10.51 Estimated cost at 25.10.51 Ration level at 24.4.52 Estimated cost at 24.4.52
Carcase meat … … … … 1s. 7d. 1s. 7d. 1s. 2d. 1s. 2d.
Bacon … … … … 3 oz. 5.8d. 5 oz. 1s. 0.8d.
Cheese … … … … 1 ½oz. 1.3d. 1 oz. 1.5d.
Butter … … … … 3 oz. 5.6d. 3 oz. 5.6d.
Margarine … … … … 4 oz. 3.5d. 4 oz. 3.5d.
Cooking Fat … … … … 2 oz. 2.0d. 2 oz. 2.0d.
Tea … … … … 2 oz. 5.5d. 2 oz. 5.5d.
Sugar … … … … 10 oz. 3.8d. 10 oz. 3.8d.
3s. 10½.d. 4s. 0¾d.