§ 41. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that between 1952 and 1962 food prices rose by 32.5 per cent. and that the major part of this increase came in 1952–56 as a result of the Government's decision to abolish food subsidies; and whether he will now restore these subsidies.
§ Mr. SoamesThe reasons which led to the ending of food subsidies ten years ago are still valid and our existing open market arrangements ensure that food prices are lower here than in most other industrial countries. Over the ten years148W referred to, wages and retirement pensions have risen much faster than the price of food.