§ 61. Mr. LOUGHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount now outstanding for commodities purchased abroad on behalf of the Government which have not yet been received in this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThis information is not available in the Treasury, and could only be obtained by reference to the several Departments concerned. I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to undertake the labour of compiling a return.
§ Mr. LOUGHCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the amount was more or less than seventy-four millions in respect of these purchases, and will he consider the policy of bringing the trade into the ordinary channels?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think it would be reasonable to expect a review of that kind, and I am rather surprised at my right hon. Friend, who, with his experience, should know that exceptional steps have to be taken in dealing with matters of this sort.