The Price of Bread An analysis of bread prices, which
forms the subject of a special Report, was issued by the Food Council on Tuesday, August 6th. The present price of 9d. per 4 lb., it appears, comes within the maximum figure laid down in the Council's Report to the Board of Trade in November, 1925. Wheat crops' have been less abundant than was anticipated—owing to adverse weather condi- tions—and consequently the price of wheat has been everywhere raised. The memorandum goes on to observe that " we have continuously under review the prices charged for bread on the recommendations of local master bakers' associations. . . " This report was followed by another, bearing on the price of flour. The latter raises many complex questions relating to the method by which the Council should check the " official " price stated by the millers. We are glad to see that the Council insists on its right to a full inspection of all the books, ledgers, &c., and refuses to limit itself to an examination of the invoices of flour, but we wonder whether the Council also ensures proper contact with the admirable day-to-day statistical services of the International Institute of Agriculture in Rome ? Mes- sages from New York indicate that crop failures have been grossly exaggerated, and the opportune coming of rain in the leading North American grain areas may yet bring about a sharp fall in prices.
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