6. Mrs. Slaterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has about future movements in the price of bread; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesI regret that I can make no useful prediction on future movements in bread prices.
Mrs. SlaterDoes not the right hon. Gentleman feel that he should, at least, be watching the situation because now the price for a 1¾ 1b. loaf, not a 2 lb. loaf, is anything from 1s. 1½ upwards, and the price for the brown 14 oz. loaf is 9d. and for the 1¾ lb. Hovis 1s. 8½d.? This is a commodity which is absolutely vital to the people of this country. Should not the Minister be watching the situation?
§ Mr. SoamesI do not know what the hon. Lady would wish me to do after I have watched it. Of course, she is aware that the cereal market is much stronger this year than it was last year, that the world price of cereals is considerably higher this year and that this is reflected in the price of flour.