§ 53. Sir J. Nallasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that wholesale buyers of butter are required to pay cash on delivery although the Ministry has not yet paid the same people for the same butter which was commandeered from them; and will he take steps to expedite substantial progress payments due to the importers of commandeered butter?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonSubstantial payments on account are being made to owners of butter requisitioned under the Butter (Requisition and Control) Order, 1939, and every possible step is being taken to expedite the matter.
§ Sir J. NallIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that people who have had delivery from the Minister of part of their cargo of butter which has been requisitioned and for which they had not yet been reimbursed, have had to pay for the original import and have had to pay cash in order to obtain delivery for some of the cargo?
§ Mr. MorrisonA substantial payment on account has been made. There is still a margin to be disposed of. The question which gives most difficulty is the actual legal ownership of the butter at the moment it was requisitioned, but I can assure my hon. Friend that we are taking steps to expedite payment as much as possible.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderIf the Department have paid a large amount on account surely they have satisfied themselves as to the legal ownership? The Minister has kept 25s. per cwt. in the hands of the Ministry. Why cannot he settle the account at once?
§ Mr. MorrisonThere are still difficulties in settling all these large accounts. Big payments have been made on account already and the remainder will be paid as soon as possible.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWould it not save a lot of trouble if the Ministry did not commandeer it and allowed people to carry on their business?