§ 38. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food if he will give details of the quantities, prices and periods of delivery of each of the articles of food and fodder purchased during his recent visit to the U.S.A. and Canada.
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. For reasons which have been given repeatedly, it would be contrary to the national interest to publish the details of the contracts which are periodically entered into by my Department.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that these bulk purchases and secret transactions are one of the main reasons for food shortage? Is he also aware that the Socialist Government got in because of empty heads, and that empty bellies will get them out?