HC Deb 11 February 1953 vol 511 cc411-2
39. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Food what prices his Department has been paying for coffee; and what are the prices now ruling in the world markets.

Major Lloyd George

It would not be in the public interest to disclose the prices paid under contract to growers in East Africa and elsewhere. No coffee has been bought by my Department in the open market since May, 1952, when between £388 and £405 a ton was paid for Brazilian. Prices for similar coffees today range between £412 and £424 a ton.

Mr. Jeger

Does that not reveal the fact that bulk buying and long-term purchase contracts conducted by the Ministry were much better business for the nation than the present freedom of the industry from control?

41. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the price of coffee is being again increased since 26th January following on de-control; and whether he will take action to protect consumers.

Major Lloyd George

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Faversham (Mr. P. Wells) on 11th December, 1952. I would add that I have heard of the increase in the price of only one brand of coffee on or since 20th January.

Mr. Jeger

The reply to which the Minister refers me says that there was no increase whereas my Question specifically states the fact that there has been an increase since that date. Is the Minister aware that I hold in my hand two invoices, one dated 29th January and one 22nd January, showing that an increase of 5d. a pound has occurred on the date I mentioned? Is the Minister quite unaware of what is happening in the food world?

Major Lloyd George

That is a little unfair. I never said that there had been no increase. If the hon. Member will look at the answer to which my reply referred him, he will see that I did not say there had been no increase, and I did not say so either in the reply I have just given the hon. Member. I know there has been one increase in one brand since 29th January. If, as the hon. Member says, the increase is 5d.—it might have been even 10d.—that amounts to half a farthing per cup.