§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Food the annual amount paid to bakers and confectioners in respect of a bread subsidy since the inception of the scheme; for what purpose it is paid; and what is the need for continued payment.
§ Sir B. Smith:The annual amount paid to the bakers in respect of bread subsidy since the inception of the scheme is as follows:
12 months to £ 31st December, 1941 2,200,000 do. do. 1942 11,180,000 do. do. 1943 6,400,000 do. do. 1944 6,180,000 do. do. 1945 9,075,000 £35,035,000 The bread subsidy was introduced as part of the Government policy to stabilise the cost of living and the price of bread, and is being continued for the same reasons.