HC Deb 10 February 1922 vol 150 c476W
Mr. G. BARKER

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the great poverty of the working class arising from low wages and unemployment, he will take steps to obtain a reduction in the cost of foodstuffs so as to enable people to exist on the wages that are at present being paid?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I have been asked to reply. I do not know what action the hon. Member would advocate to secure a reduction in the cost of foodstuffs, but the Government are not prepared to introduce food subsidies or a system of control of prices, and it may be doubted whether the latter would have caused a greater fall in prices than has actually taken place in recent months.