HC Deb 26 November 1917 vol 99 cc1619-20
30. Mr. CLANCY

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the total amount of money placed at the disposal of the Food Production Department by the Board of Agriculture by way of Vote of Credit or otherwise for the purpose of their food production schemes during the present year?

Colonel CRAIG

As stated in the reply given to the right hon. Member for South Molton on 13th instant, the gross total expenditure by the Food Production Department up to 31st October was £1,425,500, of which about £1,050,000 is recoverable. It is not possible to forecast with any degree of accuracy the further amount which will be expended before the end of the financial year, but it is not likely to exceed £2,500,000 gross, the greater proportion of which will be recoverable.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

Does that include the cost of the purchase of factories?

Colonel CRAIG

I am answering only on behalf of the President of the Board, but I will call his attention to the supplementary question.