HC Deb 28 November 1963 vol 685 cc465-7
Q1. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that since last. April there has been a large increase in food prices; and, as this will set off an inflationary spiral contrary to the Government's plan for expansion without inflation, whether he will arrange to speak on television to explain Her Majesty's Government's proposals regarding food prices.

The Prime Minister (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)

There has been no increase in the general level of food prices since last April: on the contrary the Index of Retail Food Prices fell by 2.3 points between April and October. I am always ready to explain facts in the House and outside it.

Mr. Lewis

Will the Prime Minister get in touch with the wholesalers' federation for the grocery industry which will inform him that bacon has gone up by 5s. in the £ sugar by 4s.; ham by 3s.; syrup, butter and jam sugar by 1s. 6d.; canned foods by 10d. and cheese by 5d.? If that be the case, and that information comes from the federation, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to explain what foods which an old-age pensioner would normally eat have gone down in price?

The Prime Minister

Of course, the index for which I am responsible is the Index of Retail Food Prices—

Mr. Lewis

Answer the question.

The Prime Minister

—and that is the only official index. In answer to the hon. Member's question, as I understand it, it is perfectly true that some groceries have risen in price, but that is more than offset by lower prices for vegetables and other foods.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that one of the factors making for high food prices is the high rents charged to farmers by landowners? Is he aware that he would be immensely popular among farmers if he appeared on television and announced that the Government were taking steps to reduce the rents charged to farmers?

Mr. Speaker

Order. We must make some effort to comply with the rules about Questions. Mr. Turton.

Mr. Turton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. A. Lewis) had been living on the Continent during this period, his food costs would have risen very considerably?

Mr. S. Silverman

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he admits or rejects the accuracy of the figures for various food commodities put before him by my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, North (Mr. A. Lewis)? If he accepts that those figures are correct and are not reflected in the official index of prices, does not he think that the basis on which the index is compiled ought to be reviewed?

The Prime Minister

If the hon. Gentleman wishes to question the basis of the index, he ought to put down a Question.