Price Control

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons at on 14 October 1942.

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Photo of Sir Charles Lyle Sir Charles Lyle , Bournemouth

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will specify the price controlled articles which do not enter into the dietary of the average consumer?

Photo of Mr William Mabane Mr William Mabane , Huddersfield

Of the articles of human food of which the retail price is controlled by current Statutory Rule and Order, oysters, smoked salmon, goat meat, horseflesh, venison, game birds, cream, imported tomatoes, oranges, lemons, and bananas would not appear to enter into the dietary of the average consumer.

Photo of Sir Charles Lyle Sir Charles Lyle , Bournemouth

Yes, but we have no bananas. What is the object of price-fixing these commodities and going to all this expense when the only effect is to drive them off the market?

Photo of Mr William Mabane Mr William Mabane , Huddersfield

There are good reasons why every one of these commodities has been price-controlled. Although we have no bananas to-day, there may be better times ahead.