§ 10. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, on the basis of figures used in calculating the official cost-of-living index, he will publish in HANSARD a table showing the retail prices of butter and Cheddar cheese on 30th September, 1951, and at the latest convenient date; what steps he is taking to ensure a fair distribution of butter and cheese in the immediate future; and if he will seek powers that will enable him to prevent further price increases.
§ Mr. John HareI regret that the information on retail prices is not available. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that the construction of the official index of retail prices is such that the average prices of individual items are not calculated.
I do not intend to interfere with the existing arrangements for butter and cheese distribution. Price control would do nothing to increase supplies and indeed would have the reverse effect.