A service from mySociety A service from mySociety

TheyWorkForYou

Menu

Bread Prices.

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies. – in the House of Commons at on 21 February 1940.

Alert me about debates like this

Mr. De la Bère:

asked the Minister of Food whether he will have an inquiry made to obtain some explanation as to the variation in charges made by bakers in the price of the 4-lb. loaf, since, as a result of the war, there is only one class of flour available and only one price for that flour delivered to all points in the United Kingdom?

Photo of Mr William Morrison Mr William Morrison , Cirencester and Tewkesbury

There have always been variations in the costs of production and distribution in the baking trade and these still remain although the price of flour is uniform. Attention is being given to this question as part of the investigation into bread prices now being conducted by my Department.

Mr. De la Bère:

Does my right hon. Friend realise that we shall never get this matter right until a public inquiry is held, and that it is in the public interest that the manoeuvres of the milling combine should cease?

Photo of Mr Irving Albery Mr Irving Albery , Gravesend

In view of the constant allegations which are made in the House against the milling combine, does not my right hon. Friend think it is due to the combine and to the public that such an inquiry should be made?

Photo of Mr William Morrison Mr William Morrison , Cirencester and Tewkesbury

I am aware that my hon. Friend has from time to time mentioned the milling combine, but hitherto the allegations have been of a general character and I do not think such an investigation as is called for is necessary.

Mr. De la Bère:

Is it not vitally necessary this should be done?

Minister

Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.