§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that notwithstanding the Government's policy food and grocery manufacturers and suppliers have increased prices to the consumer on the grounds of the effects of devaluation and, in view of the fact that devaluation has not yet affected any of these items, what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. PeartI recognise that there will inevitably be some increases in food prices as a direct result of devaluation. In a few cases the effects of devaluation can already be felt. If my hon. Friend will send me any information he has on increases in food prices which are incorrectly attributed to devaluation, I shall be glad to look into them.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in order to shelter lower paid workers from some of the effects of rising food prices as a result of devaluation, he will take steps to enable the payment of a subsidy to bakers in order to prevent an increase in the price of bread.
§ Mr. PeartNo. Devaluation will inevitably increase the price of bread and some other essential foodstuffs and the Government recognises that as a result there will be unavoidable increases in the cost of living. I intend to ensure as far as possible, by the use of my Department's price surveillance systems, that these increases in price are fully justified.