§ 105. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that, contrary to Government policy, food prices have risen by 3.5 per cent. since devaluation, and that many of these price increases are in no way connected directly or indirectly with devaluation; and whether he will have an investigation made into the reasons for these increases, and take action to have these prices reduced.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThere is a normal seasonal increase in some food prices between autumn and mid-summer. This increase and the higher meat prices caused by reduced meat supplies following the epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease account almost entirely, apart from devaluation, for the higher level of food prices compared with November last year. I am satisfied that my Department's early warning and constant watch procedures under which all significant food prices increases are rigorously examined, are working well.