HC Deb 08 March 1927 vol 203 cc1056-7W
Colonel DAY

asked, the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government have taken with reference to the Food Commission's Report; and if he is aware that, notwithstanding the fact that the wholesale price of butter has been reduced 6s a cwt. many retailers have increased the price 2d. a pound?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The principal recommendation made in the Report of the Royal Commission on Food Prices was that a Food Council should be established, and this recommendation was carried out by the appointment of the present Food Council in July, 1925. For about four months up to the middle of February last there had been substantial advances in the wholesale prices of butter. Reductions then took place, which happened to coincide with increases in the retail price at some shops. The information in my possession, however, shows that during the past six months retail prices have, generally speaking, moved in sympathy with wholesale prices, allowing a reasonable lag between the two.