MR. A. T. DAVIESasked the Food Controller whether it is proposed to reduce the controlled price of cheese, lard, and margarine at an early date; and what are the special reasons for maintaining these foods at an abnormal rate, considering the supplies on order and in stock?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe prices of these foodstuffs are not maintained at an abnormal rate, as the hon. Member suggests. The price of margarine is not controlled. The Food Controller proposes to reduce the price of lard as soon as the cost price, taken in conjunction with the loss on exchange, permits a reduction. The prices in America have fallen since control was reimposed, but lard purchased on the lower market has not yet arrived in this country. As regards cheese, the maximum retail price of cheese is fixed at the figure which is necessary to enable the operations of the Ministry of Food in that commodity to be maintained on a self-supporting basis; the price in force represents the average cost of all purchases of both home and imported cheese, and the cost of distribution. The supplies of cheese in stock and in sight are not sufficient to meet the full normal demand. I may add in this connection that the price last winter was 1s. 8d. per pound, against the present price of 1s. 6d.