HC Deb 25 November 1946 vol 430 c1240
15. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Food how much of the butter, cheese, eggs and meat imported from Denmark has been re-exported; what was the cost of these goods delivered to a British port; and what were the re-export prices obtained.

The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)

None, Sir. The average c.i.f. prices of butter, cheese and eggs from Denmark during the period 1st January to 30th September, 1946 based upon the Trade and Navigation Returns are respectively as follows: 205s. 8d. per cwt.; 182s. 11d. per cwt.; 17s. 11d. per long hundred. I am unable at present to give the c.i.f. price of meat from Denmark. The last part of the Question does not arise.

Sir W. Smithers

Would the right hon. Gentleman look at his information again, because I think he has been misinformed? Is it not also a fact that he paid very high prices for this food, and are these transactions subject to examination by the Public Accounts Committee?

Mr. Strachey

As to the first part of the supplementary question, I take it that the hon. Gentleman has in mind an article in the Danish Press, which stated that some of these supplies we're re-exported. There is not a word of truth in it. On the second part of his supplementary question, as to price, the Danes consider the price very low indeed. In answer to the third part of the supplementary question, the accounts do go for examination to the Public Accounts Committee.