33. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that the controlled price of the 1 lb. loaf is 4¼., he will consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask if more farthings may be minted so that bakers may give their customers the correct change.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am advised by my right hon. Friend that farthings will be issued by the Mint to the Banks in response to demand. He hopes that the public will do their best to keep farthings in circulation. The demands on the Mint over the past few years suggest that many of them are lost or hoarded.
Mr. Orr-EwingIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a shortage of farthings in some areas in the country? Could he have another look at this question? Could he tell us what it would cost if the price were rounded off?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI will certainly look at the question of a shortage in certain parts of the country. If the farthing were rounded up—[HON. MEMBERS: "Down."]—it would cost the consumer about £11 million.
§ Mr. PagetIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a farthing costs about a halfpenny to make? Would it not be better a find a rather cheaper farthing?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am not sure about that, but of course the £ does not cost £1, either.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWould it not be possible to overcome all these numismatic difficulties by taking steps to induce bakers to produce a loaf costing 4d. and weighing 15.058 oz.?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think the hon. and gallant Gentleman would have a nice time trying to get bakers to alter the whole of their equipment to do that.