§ 31. Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Supply what was the equivalent c.i.f. price in Great Britain of the 24,000 tons of lead bought in the latter part of February and March, based on seven cents per pound and, approximately, £39 per ton, f.o.b., per pound and ton, respectively; at what price it is being sold to manufacturers; and what is the total profit or loss to the Government on this transaction.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. John Wilmot)The cost of this lead c.i.f. U.K. port varied between £41 7s. and £42 6s. 8d. per ton. The price of lead delivered to consumers' works was £39 per ton up to 8th April and per ton thereafter. These purchases form part of a continuing flow of supplies and it is not practicable to isolate this particular parcel and say how much of the 24,000 tons has been sold, either at é39 or £45, or what profit or loss will result. My aim, however, is to fix selling prices over a period to cover all costs.
§ Sir G. FoxIs the Minister aware that private enterprise would know whether it made a profit or loss on such transactions?
§ Mr. WilmotI am aware that private enterprise is no more able than I am to isolate a small parcel in the continuing chain of supplies.
§ Major BruceIs my right hon. Friend aware that private enterprise would also not publish those figures of profit or loss?
§ Mr. GallacherThey shove the loss on to somebody else.