§ Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Food what is the estimate of the margin of exportable wheat from wheat-producing countries for the forthcoming cereal year; and what is the anticipated date of a reduction in British bread prices?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the detailed reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for Wigan (Mr. Allen Parkinson) on the 8th instant, a copy of which I am sending him. With regard to the second part of the question, I can assure him that the Food Controller is anxious that the price of bread should be reduced at the earliest possible moment. In fact, however, it must be clearly understood that even at yesterday's American spot prices the replacement cost of wheat delivered to the miller1202W in the United Kingdom is higher than the price at which wheat is now being issued to millers. A reduction in the price would, therefore, simply mean a further increase in the subsidy on the loaf. I may add, as an illustration of the uncertainty of the position, that whereas at the beginning of this month the adverse rate of the American exchange accounted for 30s. per quarter in the replacement cost of wheat in landed terms, the further break of the exchange in the first week of the month has represented a further. 3s. per quarter, or approximately another farthing on the cost of the 4 1b. loaf.
§ Lieut. - Colonel CROFTasked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the price of bread in Bournemouth; and whether that price, taking all circumstances into consideration, is approved by his Department as a fair one?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe price of bread at Bournemouth has been the subject of an investigation by the Costings Department of the Ministry. The detailed Report is not yet available, but from a preliminary Report which has been made, it appears that the price at Bournemouth, as stated in reply to the hon. Member for Thornbury on 21st October, varies from 1s. 4d. to 1s. 5d. Where the higher price is charged, cost of delivery to the consumer's house is included. I understand that at Bournemouth the delivery charges are very high owing to the scattered nature of the residential district. When the final Report is received, the Food Controller will be in a position to judge whether further action on his part is called for.