HC Deb 27 April 1944 vol 399 cc933-4
52. Mr. Granville

asked the Minister of Agriculture the annual cost of the East Suffolk War Agricultural Committee, with administrative charges for the latest available date.

Mr. Hudson

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on Thursday last. I cannot undertake to give figures for individual counties, as comparisons between one county and another would inevitably be misleading.

Mr. Granville

Is the Minister aware that I have delved into the report to which he has just referred, and that I can find no indication there of expenditure for this county? Does he not think that he has some responsibility to see whether the finances of this committee are being handled efficiently?

Mr. Hudson

The actual figures for individual counties would not disclose that, although I agree that it is desirable to see whether or not they are efficient.

Mr. Granville

Is the Minister saying that he has not the figures, or that he will not give them?

Mr. Hudson

I said that I could not undertake to give figures for individual counties, as comparisons between one and the other would be misleading.

Mr. Granville

In view of that unfortunate answer I give notice that I will raise this matter again at the earliest opportunity.