HC Deb 25 January 1973 vol 849 c217W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he gave prior to 6th November 1972, to the possibility of subsidising importers of foodstuffs so that retail prices could have been maintained at the levels of 6th November 1972.

Mrs. Fenner

A general subsidy on food imports would give rise to a number of problems. For instance, it would create imbalance between supply and demand on the United Kingdom market and would necessitate a rationing system for commodities in short supply. The Government believe that those most vulnerable to rising prices can be helped more effectively by direct means such as the family income supplement and regular uprating of pensions and social security benefits.

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