§ Mr. Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether, in view of recent experiences consequent upon delays in fixing maximum prices of foodstuffs, he will consider the scheduling of all essential foodstuffs as opposed to luxuries in consultation with all interests concerned, including the consumers, with a view to the adoption of a general policy of immediate price control and distribution of all essentials, and paying regard to present-day population and movement;
(2) whether, in view of the difficulties of supply and price increases which were consequent upon the time-lags before making effective price-controls on tinned peas, onions, apples, lemons and turkeys, respectively, he will in future consider more immediate action when representations are made and decision is reached in respect of price control for any particular commodity?
§ Mr. JohnstoneAs was stated in an announcement on 7th January, and of which I am sending my hon. and learned Friend a copy, it has been decided to extend considerably the field of price control over foodstuffs, and an interim Order came into operation on 13th January making it an offence for any manufacturer, dealer, wholesaler, or retailer to sell any198W of a considerable number of foodstuffs at higher prices than those which he charged on 2nd December. Maximum Price Orders covering these foodstuffs will be issued in due course, and the practicability of applying price control to certain foods not included in the present list is under examination. The arrangements for the allocation of supplies between different areas are under constant review, with due regard to the movements of population.