HC Deb 15 March 1926 vol 193 c30
65. Sir FRANK SANDERSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Food Liquidation Department has now been wound up; and, if not, the nature of, and necessity for, the work still being carried on?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

The Food Liquidation Department will be wound up on 31st March, 1926, but a small staff, attached to the Finance Department of the Board, will continue to be engaged upon the liquidation of accounts and the settlement of claims, involving large sums of money, relating to the late Ministry of Food, the Royal Commissions on Wheat and Sugar Supplies, and the Flour Mills Control.

Mr. HARRIS

May I ask how many years the hon. Gentleman estimates it takes to wind up a Government Department?

Sir B. CHADWICK

That depends on the work that requires winding up.

Sir FREDRIC WISE

Can my hon. Friend say what is the number of the staff?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The number of the staff at the present time is, I think, 15, and it will be reduced by the end of March to 10.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

How many are being transferred to the Food Council?

Sir B. CHADWICK

I cannot answer that question off-hand.