§ Mr. MORRISasked the Minister of Food whether he is prepared to publish the cost price of all articles purchased or controlled by him so that the consumer may, in each case, have precise information as to the additional charges to cover cost of distribution and profit?
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§ Mr. McCURDYI regret that it is impossible to put into practice the suggestion made by my hon. Friend. The articles purchased or controlled by the Ministry of Food are bought in different countries at prices which vary from day to day. It has, moreover, been the practice of the Department in the case of articles actually purchased to utilise its accumulated reserves in order to prevent violent fluctuation of prices to the consumer, with the result that food supplies are frequently sold at prices below the cost of replacement. The additional charges referred to are fixed by the Costings Branch of the Ministry of Food after the most careful examination of the books of representative traders.