§ 8. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the recent reduction in the price of bread has not been passed on to consumers in Scotland; and, in view of this, if he will reintroduce price control.
Mr. AmoryComplete uniformity is not to be expected under a freely competitive system. Scottish bakers, I understand, mainly use a flour of stronger grist than in England. The plant bakery prices are at present, I believe, about the same in both countries. I can see no justification, therefore, for the reintroduction of price control.
§ Mrs. MannLeaving aside price control, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the increases went on simultaneously but the decrease applied to England only? Would he make further inquiries as to why Scotland, which had the increase with England, cannot have the decrease also with England?
Mr. AmoryIt is very difficult to compare the prices because, in the case of small bakers, they vary considerably from place to place and from moment to moment. As regards the plant bakeries, I understand that the prices in Scotland did not go up quite as high as they did in England but that now the price in both countries is just about the same.