HC Deb 30 October 1934 vol 293 cc7-8
11. Sir GIFFORD FOX

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the nature and value of purchases of foreign imports made by his Department in the last 12 months for which complete figures are available?

Mr. HACKING

Excluding petrol and oils, the value of foreign goods purchased on headquarters contracts during the year ending on 30th September last was approximately £103,000. The principal items in round figures were foodstuffs £44,600, timber £33,000, and warlike stores £18,000.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is there any reason why these foodstuffs should not be purchased in England?

Mr. HACKING

It is largely a question of expense. May I point out that only 7 per cent. of our total requirement of food is purchased abroad?

43. Sir G. FOX

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the nature and value of purchases of Foreign imports made by his department in the last 12 months for which complete figures are available?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)

The total value of purchases of foreign origin for the calendar year 1933 was approximately £104,000. The principal items were hemp, tobacco, turpentine, timber, tinned salmon and tinned tomatoes. This figure, however, does not include petroleum products, which are necessarily largely of foreign origin, nor copper and tin ingots and tin bar, the raw material for which is partly of foreign and partly of Dominion origin.