§ 79. Mr. Harrisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate the steps that he proposes to take to nullify the effect on commodity prices of the continuance of the rise of price of imported goods and services; and is it his intention to reverse the practice exampled by the recent discontinuance of the subsidy on hides, which caused a serious rise in the price of boots and shoes.
§ Sir S. CrippsAs was indicated in the speech of my right hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton) on the November Budget, it may be necessary, if price movements of imports are unfavourable, to raise the prices of certain foodstuffs to a moderate extent. Government policy will, in fact, endeavour to hold the balance between the stabilising effects of food subsidies on salaries and wages and the need to control the cost to the Exchequer.