HC Deb 23 November 1943 vol 393 c1461W
Mr. Wootton-Davies

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the wartime legislation under which very large prices are charged to manufacturers using raw materials of which the State has a monopoly so that the profits derived from the sales can be devoted to subsidising other products; and whether the consequent high prices to the consumer are taken into consideration in arrangements of this nature?

Mr. Mabane

My Noble Friend does not derive from wartime or any other legislation the power to sell the commodities which he has bought. I know of no case in which my Department are charging "very large prices" to manufacturers or other buyers. In this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given by my predecessor on 29th July, 1941, to the hon. Member for Moss Side (Mr. R. Duckworth), If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will send me particulars I will make inquiries and communicate with him.