§ Mr. PERRYasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the increase of 20 per cent, imposed on the sea freights of goods shipped from the ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Harlingen to London by various London shipping companies as from 28th September, 1931; and whether these increased charges to the importer will be considered by the Government under the Food Prices Bill now before Parliament?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am aware that the lines trading between Holland and London have notified an increase of 20 per cent. on sterling sea freights from Dutch ports to London. It should be remembered that as regards foodstuffs, freight rates form a very small fraction of the cost, and the effect on food prices of such increases is almost negligible. The Board of Trade will, however, keep under close review any variations in freight rates.