§ 2. Mr. COLLISONasked the President of the Board of Trade the total loss, if any, sustained on the Australian lead and zinc contracts from the 9th April, 1918, to the end of the financial year 1921–22?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am not aware of any Australian lead contract. With regard to the Government contract for the purchase of Australian zinc concentrates, I would refer the hon. Member to pages 209 to 213 of the Accounts and Balance Sheets of Trading or Commercial Services conducted by Government Departments for the year 1921–22, House of Commons Paper, No. 92 of 1923, which contain the information asked for in the question.
§ Mr. COLLISONWill it give the total loss sustained on this Australian contract?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIt gives all the information down to date. It is quite impossible to say what will be the results of a contract, which must depend from time to time upon the price of spelter. This is the best information I can impart.
§ Mr. COLLISONWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House information similar to that given 18 months ago, when it was said the loss sustained was £500,000?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe audited accounts down to date contain the best information that the hon. Member can get.