HC Deb 03 May 1954 vol 527 cc15-6
31. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Food whether he proposes to increase the price of butter sold by his Department after butter is derationed.

Major Lloyd George

My Department will from now onwards sell butter from its own supplies at the ruling market price of the day.

Mr. Willey

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that grocers are rather concerned about this and would like to know some time ahead what the Ministry's price is likely to be? Do I understand that the Minister envisages the possibility of making a profit on the sale of butter?

Major Lloyd George

I hope that the grocers read their newspapers more carefully than the hon. Gentleman does. If they do, they ought to know now what the suggested price is. As to whether or not we shall make a profit, we cannot say that until we see how the market price goes, and that will only be after 8th May. We shall then see whether the price goes up or down.

Mr. Nabarro

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend recall the prognosis of the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) about the 1s. egg? Will he do nothing to interfere in any way with the normal processes of supply and demand, which will assuredly fix the proper price of butter in the future?

Mr. Hamilton

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us exactly what the price of butter will be? I am sure that many Members do not know what it is likely to be.

Major Lloyd George

I said that it would be the ruling market price of the day. I have already given my opinion as to what it will be, and I am surprised that hon. Gentlemen opposite have not seen it.

Mr. Hamilton

Tell us now.

Major Lloyd George

It will be in the neighbourhood of 4s. 1d.; it may be 4s. 3d. From then on we shall see what the market variation is.

Mr. Gower

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that all traders, including Co-operative societies, are looking forward to the derationing of butter and margarine?

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I made no such prognosis as that suggested by his hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro)?

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