HC Deb 11 February 1953 vol 511 c412
44. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Food whether he will make a statement concerning the proposed increase in the price of bread.

Major Lloyd George

I have decided that I cannot accept the bakers' application for an increase of ¼d. on the price of the 14 oz. loaf.

Miss Burton

Does the Minister's reply mean that the country can take assurance that the opinion of an expert that the price of the National loaf would rise from 7½d. to 10½d. in the autumn is quite unfounded?

Major Lloyd George

I am dealing only with the hon. Lady's Question, which concerns the 14 oz. loaf. The application was based on increased costs and the shortage of farthings. Neither of those two contentions, in the opinion of my advisers, justified a rise.