STATE CONTROL OF FOOD - Nov 25, 1916

The increase in the retail cost of food since the beginning of the war until Nov 1st was 78 per cent.

During October alone food prices rose by 5 per cent, a large proportion of the increase being due to

the rise in potatoes.  The price of milk during the month increased by about 7 per cent, flour by 6 per cent

and bread by 4 percent.  Eggs increased in price by 19 per cent, fish by 13 per cent, butter and cheese

by 4 per cent, and bacon by 2 per cent.  Compared with food prices of Nov 1st, 1915, those at the

beginning of the month showed an average increase of no less than 27 per cent.  Here are the

principal rises :-  Potatoes more than 100 per cent, granulated sugar 39 per cent ; eggs 34 per cent ;

flour, bread, milk, cheese, fish, bacon, and meat 20 to 25 per cent ; and margarine 13 per cent.

Compared with prices of July, 1914, the following increases are noted :- British legs of mutton 54 per cent ;

frozen breasts of mutton 115 per cent ; sugar, eggs, fish and potatoes have more than doubled in price ;

flour 76 per cent, bread 65 per cent ; milk, bacon, cheese, butter, and tea from 50 to 60 per cent.

The average increase in the cost of living of the working classes since July 1914 including food, rent,

clothing, fuel, light, and miscellaneous expenditure is about 55 per cent ; and this does not include increased

taxation.