§ 45. Mr. Parkerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether duties are being collected on food imports purchased by the Ministry of Food; and, if so, what amount has been collected in this way during the current year?
§ Sir K. WoodThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." With regard to the second part, in accordance with the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, in answer to a Question on 27th February, I do not think it would be in the national interest to publish these figures.
§ Mr. ParkerIs it not very wasteful first of all to collect money in duties on food, and then to pay the money back again when there is a rise in the cost of living?
§ Sir K. WoodI gave a reply on this matter on 28th November, and I will send it to my hon. Friend.