§ Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Food if he will publish in HANSARD a list of the increases in the price of chocolate and cocoa since January, 1946, showing the increases per lb. and the total national increases to the consumers.
§ Mr. StracheyThe price of chocolate and chocolate confectionery was increased from an average of 2s. 7d. per lb. to an average of 2s. 11d. per lb. in May, 1947. On the basis of a 3 oz. ration this increase is estimated to cost the consumer about £4,000,000 per annum. As has already been announced there will be a further average increase of 11d. per lb. on 29th February, 1948; on the same basis, the increased cost to the consumer will be about £11,000,000 per annum. The price of cocoa powder was increased from an average of is. 8d. per lb. to an average of 2s. 2d. per lb. in May, 1947. The increased cost to the consumer is estimated at £900,000 per annum.