18. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the unfavourable results experienced from the Government's bulk purchases of food and cattle feedingstuffs throughout 1948, he will consider purchasing food supplies in 1949 through the ordinary trade channels when practicable.
§ Mr. StracheyI do not know of any evidence to support the hon. Member's contention in respect of any staple food or feedingstuff. In respect of minor, miscellaneous or highly perishable foods we are always ready to consider turning the trade over to private importers, if this appears to be in the public interest. We have recently done so in the case of lemons, for example.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the Government's disastrous record over the bulk purchase of food? Would it not be very desirable on a market that is falling to abandon this practice of bulk purchase? He cannot do any good by continuing bulk purchases on a falling market.
§ Mr. StracheyI entirely disagree with the hon. Gentleman's statements.