Price-hike court threat after bread costs vary

Stirling area bakers were 100 years ago facing prosecution for hiking bread prices.

Inflation and shortages of flour had pushed up the price of bread. However, as it was such a staple of the diet, particularly among the poor, the Government’s Food Controller had ordered that the price should be stabilised.

A maximum price of nine pence for a 4lb loaf was fixed.

At a meeting of Stirling Town Council’s food control committee, it emerged bakers across the area were demanding more because of “extra costs in Stirling for carriage and cartage”.

Some bakers in Stirling were charging nine and a half pence while the price of a loaf in Dunblane was reported to be nine pence in one baker’s, nine and a half pence in another and 10 pence in a third.

In Drymen, there was “considerable disappointment that 4lb loaves were being sold at nine and a half pence in shops and 10 pence from vans.

Bakers in Stirling area had applied to the food control committee for permission to levy a higher price than nine pence but had the request turned down. They were entitled to appeal.

However, in a letter of complaint to Stirling man Mr William Berrie, Chief Constable for the town George Nicol said: “Doubtless you will now be aware that since September 21, 1917, a 4lb loaf can be obtained for cash over the counter in all bakers’shops in the burgh at the legal specified rate of nine pence.

“On receipt of any complaint that any excessive charge has been made I shall have the necessary inquiries made and report for proceedings in all prima facie cases.”