Consumption

HC Deb 09 February 1956 vol 548 c1793

30. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the consumption of food in Britain in 1955 compared with that of previous years.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. D. Heathcoat Amory)

Estimates of food consumption in 1955 are not yet available. Present indications are that consumption generally reached a slightly higher level than in 1954, when the average consumption in terms of calories, proteins and fats already exceeded the pre-war levels.

Mr. Russell

Does not that Answer show that people were eating more in 1955 than in previous years, despite the increase in the cost of living?

Mrs. Braddock

Which people?

Mr. Amory

Yes, my hon. Friend is quite right. The present position is that in spite of the rise in prices, the nation generally—and this covers a wide cross-section of the country—is eating more than ever before, and is eating more varied food of better quality.