§ Mr. MILLSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any reductions have taken place in the market price of raw material of margarine within the last two years; and what reduction, if any, has taken place in the price of the manufactured article?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHAccording to the information published in regard to commodity prices, the wholesale prices of most of the raw materials of margarine show considerable reductions during the past two years. I have no information as to the wholesale price of margarine during this period, but the average values of imported margarine, which represents about 15 per cent. of the total estimated consumption in this country, have fallen from 6.51d. to 6.20d. per lb. during the same period. According to the Ministry of Labour retail food price figures, the994W average retail price of margarine, which was 7½d. per lb. in 1929, fell to 7¼d. in April, 1930, where it has since remained.