HL Deb 16 November 1949 vol 165 cc711-2
EARL HOWE

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands on the Order Paper in my name.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government what are the conditions which would be prerequisite for the revocation of the order controlling the maximum price of meals in hotels and catering establishments and when it is anticipated that these conditions will be realised.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON)

My Lords, these regulations can be revoked when my right honourable friend the Minister of Food is satisfied that in the absence of price control an excessive proportion of un-rationed food will not be diverted to catering establishments.

EARL HOWE

Could the noble Earl answer the last point of my Question?

THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON

My Lords, I think I have answered it. The noble Earl is asking about the time when these regulations can be revoked, and he will see from my reply that the time is, "When my right honourable friend is satisfied."

EARL HOWE

My Lords, does the noble Earl expect that to be realised before the Election, or after?

THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON

If the noble Earl can tell me the date of the Election, perhaps I can give him some more information.