§ Mr. LYLEasked the Minister of Labour whether, in compiling the index of the cost of living, there is any indication in the price coffee that there was a substantial reduction of duty last April; whether he is aware that in the popular places of refreshment there has been no reduction in the charge for a cup of coffee; and whether he can, for the benefit of students of his index, throw any light on the reasons for this fact?
§ Dr. MACNAMARACoffee is not one of the items included in the Ministry of Labour cost of living index number, but such information as is available shows that many retail grocers have reduced their prices for coffee in correspondence with the recent reduction in duty. No information is collected by the Ministry of Labour as to the prices charged for cups of coffee in popular places of refreshment.