§ 145. Mr. Harrisonasked the Minister of Food to what extent he contemplates the re-introduction of certain price and distributive controls to combat the increases of price of many foodstuffs.
§ Mr. WebbAs I said in the House last Friday, there are a number of commodities for which, because of their nature, price control is a rational and effective instrument; and as long as the public interest demands the continuance of price control on these commodities I shall see that price control is retained. There are, however, many commodities, especially perishable, speciality and luxury foods, for which price control is far less effective or appropriate.
In deciding whether or not to reintroduce price control, I must weigh all the circumstances of each commodity. In any event price control of itself cannot prevent retail food price increases when the general trend of world prices is rising sharply.