Mr. K. JONESasked the Food Controller if he will inform the House of the membership of the Committee he has appointed to inquire into the possibilities of control with reference to lower prices; whether these inquiries as to prices will affect all articles controlled by the Government; and when the recommendations of this body may be expected to be published?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Committee to which I presume the hon. Member refers was appointed by myself, on the instructions of the War Cabinet, to examine into the possibility of taking further steps (in addition to those already taken or under956W consideration) for reducing food prices. It consists, in addition to myself as chairman, of one representative each of His Majesty's Treasury, the Board of Agriculture, and the Board of Trade, of my principal officers at the Ministry of Food, and of two members of the Consumers' Council. I cannot say when the proceedings of the Committee will be completed, but it is proceeding rapidly with its work, and immediate announcement will be made of reductions in price upon which it decides.