§ 40. Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that during November last, the latest month for which figures are published, the consumption of tea was less than for November, 1951, he will consider introducing price controls.
Dr. HillNo, Sir. Consumption figures shown in the Monthly Digest of Statistics relate to deliveries from stocks and should not be confused with retail purchases.
§ Mr. WilleyIs this not largely the effect of the October price increase? Would the Minister not agree that it is not surprising, now that rationing has been abolished, that our consumption is substantially below pre-war consumption?
Dr. HillTo quote the month of November, to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, the average retail price of tea at the end of November was lower than on the day of de-control.
§ Mr. GowerWill the Minister not agree that the de-rationing of this commodity has been a complete and remarkable success?
§ Mr. S. SilvermanIn view of the fact that the House apparently has to understand by the Minister's recent reply that the consumption of food has no relation whatever to its price, will he tell us what has now happened to the price mechanism of which his party was once so fond?
Dr. HillI was asked about the price of tea, and I have replied on the price of tea. The fact is that, two months after de-control, the price was lower than on the day of de-control.
§ Mr. WilleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Labour, in the 1722 Cost of Living Index, states that the cost of 21 brands of tea has gone up by 16 per cent.?
Dr. HillMy right hon. Friend stated the figures as between January, 1953, and January, 1952, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the subsidy on tea of 8d. per lb. was removed in June last year.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.