§ Mr. P. Wellsasked the Minister of Food what increases in coffee, and coffee mixture, prices have occurred since October, 1951.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeFrom October, 1951, until August, 1952, when price control was removed, there were increases varying from 5d. to 8d. a pound according to quality and pack. Following102W reserve funds now standing to the credit of each fund.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe following is the latest available information about the principal funds:
decontrol, prices rerhained generally unchanged for a time, though special high priced blends, which had not been available during control, were again on sale. I understand, however, that the proportion of coffee bought at current high world prices is now increasing in the blends and that, in consequence, certain well-known brands have risen in price by amounts varying from 2d. to 10d. a pound. This tendency may be expected to continue unless the world price of coffee falls, of which there is no present sign.