59. Mr. Dougglasasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount was spent last year on subsidising foodstuffs.
§ Sir J. Anderson£204.4 millions was spent in the last financial year on subsidising foodstuffs. This includes a subsidy on fertilisers, as well as the operating loss incurred by the Ministry of War Transport on the carriage of imports of food to the United Kingdom, and also the cost of the National Milk Scheme, Milk in Schools Scheme and the Vitamins Schemes.
§ Mr. Wootton-DaviesDo these figures include the amount of money we have paid to our Allies for foodstuffs, over and above the prices charged by our own Colonies and Dominions?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir, they cover the whole field of the commodities in question.
Major BraithwaiteCan the right hon. Gentleman divide the sum which he has just given to the House to show how much has gone in direct subsidies to the farmers?
§ Sir J. AndersonPerhaps a question might be put down on that subject.