§ 54. Brigadier Prior-Palmerasked the Minister of Food what is the price being paid per cwt. for the bulk purchase of blue peas by his Department in Holland.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend does not consider that it would be in the national interest to state publicly the prices which his Department pay for their purchases.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerIs the hon. Lady prepared to give any reason for that statement?
§ Dr. SummerskillCertainly, Sir. I think every businessman in the House realises that the Ministry of Food are in 1866 part a trading concern, and it is not advisable to disclose all the prices we give.