HC Deb 12 December 1945 vol 417 cc416-7
72. Mr. Stokes

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much was paid for United States tobacco imported into this country in each of the years 1938 to 1944.

Mr. Ellis Smith

As the information desired is not immediately available, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it shortly in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Stokes

As the matter has some connection with today's Debate, can my hon. Friend tell me whether I would be right in fixing the amount at approximately £10 million?

Mr. Smith

No. I guessed my hon. Friend required this information for today's Debate. I do not blame him for that, but it means a large amount of work to go into it in order to give the figures. I will see that my hon. Friend has them as soon as possible.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that the amount in weight is 206,000,000 lbs. and, therefore, it will not be very difficult to arrive at the right figure?

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Mr. Smith

As that supplementary question has been cheered so much, I would point out that the published figures do not distinguish between tobacco acquired by Lend-Lease and tobacco purchased for cost. Certain calculations would have to be made in order to get a true picture, and it would mean a tremendous amount of work to arrive at the figure.