§ Mr. CLOUGHasked the Minister of Food if, taking the staple articles of food on which he bases the Return of the cost of living, he will explain the reasons in each case in which there has been a rise in price since 1st May last?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe latest data showing the average retail prices of the staple articles of food which form the basis of the Index Number prepared by the Ministry of Labour, relate to 1st June. On that date, the commodities showing an appreciable increase of price since 1st May were sugar, potatoes and eggs. The increase in eggs was of a seasonal character. That in the case of potatoes was due to a short crop, coupled with the decreased acreage sown last year. The great increase in the price of sugar was due to the shortage of world production and the enhanced price at which the Sugar Commission are purchasing the necessary supplies of sugar.