BRITAIN’S FOOD PRICES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 24 November 1924, Page 9

BRITAIN’S FOOD PRICES.

Government Appoints Royal

Commission.

RETAILERS’ REPLIES TO CRITICISM. By O&Ma—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received 6.5 p.m., November 23.) LONDON, November 22. ‘ It is officially stated that the Government has decided to uppoins a Royal Commission under the chairmanship of Sir Auckland Geddes to investigate the disparity between the prices received by the producers - and those paid by tho consumers, in respect of articles of food for general consumption; Amid tho welter of the meat prices controversy, the fact is generally emerging that the present enhancement of values is largely seasonal, arising out of the law of supply and i demand. Some retailers give detailed figures showing that their profit yesterday was 12J per cent., whereas 16 per cent, is needed to show a margin over handling charges, but ip numerous cases the profits are much higher. GUIDANCE FOR THE PUBLrC. COMMITTEE ISSUES LIST OF PRICES.. By Gkbl*—Praisi A»*ociation—iffibpysUtbt. Australian and N.2. Cabla Association. LONDON), Havamher 21. The London Corporation Markets Committee, for the guidance of the public, has issued proper retail meat prices, wherein it. is stated-" 'Chat allowance is made for - a reasonable profit. Tho respective prices, per 1b.., for Home-grown and Imparted. are as ’ follows::—Rump- steak, 2s BS'. (Is Sd) sirloin Is lOd (Is -Id) ;• mutton, legs and loins Is- 6d ( v ls 2d) ;• lamb, legs and loins Is K)d. ((Ls 6d). w ' v The ‘“Daily HLenald,’” dismissing the suggested scheme for- £he control ot mecst supplies;, says without communal purchase and distribution',. with fixed prices,, th© scheme will do nothing to restrict- the operations of the meat trusts, wlniefr, at present, dominate five markets. The explanation of the 1 rise in prices is. that there ie, w real shortage of mutton this year, the deficiency being nearly 10,000,000 carcases. 3 1 - RETAIL BUTCHERS’ REJOINDER. COLONIAL LAMB LOSING PROPOSITION'/ '- * By Cable—Press Association: —Copyflxbt. / ’ • neuter’s • Telegrams. (Received 5.5 p.m., November 23.) LONDON, November 21. . A leading London- retail butcher, combatting the assertion of profiteering, points out that New Zealand Jamb pre-war was 5Jd per, lb wholesale. Legs were retailed at, Bjd; breast at jsjd’. The wholesale cost is : now 13d,- and the retail price 18d for legs, but.lower cuts have remained at pre-war -scale. Butchers found Colonial lamb'a’'losing proposition. . ‘