HC Deb 26 November 1947 vol 444 c1985
53. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Minister of Food the annual cost of administering the food subsidies.

Mr. Strachey

In the great majority of cases food subsidies are provided by sales at prices below the purchase cost. Apart from the welfare foods, milk in schools and national milk schemes no appreciable extra administrative expense is involved.

Mr. Shephard

Could not the Minister answer the Question? What is the cost of administering the food subsidies?

Mr. Strachey

As I have just said, there is no appreciable cost in administering the food subsidies themselves. It is simply the sale of the food at a lower price than that at which it has been purchased. The difference is the subsidy, not the administrative cost of the subsidy.

Mr. Shephard

Surely, the Minister must know what that figure is?

Mr. Strachey

It is nil, if the hon. Member wishes to have it put like that.

Sir W. Smithers

Is it not a fact that. the Minister of Food believes in the profit motive, and that, in fact, the consumer pays?