§ Mr. BAKERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that with wheat at 40s. per quarter the actual cost of the wheat per loaf is 3¾d.; and whether he will consider what steps can be taken to reduce the retail price of bread?
Mr. WEBBTaking British wheat at 40s. per imperial quarter, and yielding 90 loaves to the sack (280 lbs.) of flour, the cost of the wheat per 4 lb. loaf is somewhat mare than 4½. I will consider the possibility of action in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend, but the matter is one of considerable difficulty.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will set up a Standing Committee, composed of persons of established reputation in industry, such persons not being prominently identified with any political party, together with representatives of the Board, to inquire into and report upon the allegations frequently made that rises in retail prices of various foodstuffs are not due to shortage of supply, but either to control of markets by groups of traders interested in raising prices or in maintaining them at high levels not justified by the nature of supplies or by profiteering amongst retailers?
Mr. WEBBI will consider the suggestion made by the hon. Member, but I would point out that legislation would be necessary to give such a Committee power to require information to be furnished to them fey the parties concerned.