HC Deb 26 October 1953 vol 518 cc2435-6
46. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Food whether he can give any information as to the response of the public to the availability of the white loaf; and to what extent the purchase of National bread has diminished.

Dr. Hill

No precise information will be available until the December claims for bread subsidy come in from the bakers. It appears so far that while there are many local variations, the total transfer of demand from National to whiter bread is small.

Dr. Stross

May I, also, thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the information which he has just given us in the latter part of his answer? Would he tell the House which he thinks the better loaf, taking into account its price? The nation would be most interested to hear.

Dr. Hill

I have no doubt that the National loaf is the healthier loaf. What has been done is to give the public freedom of choice.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many parts of Scotland bakers have discontinued baking the white bread because there has been practically no demand for it?