§ 24. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food how soon he expects to receive the report on the African groundnuts scheme; and if he is yet in a position to make a general statement on the increased cost of the scheme as a whole over the original estimate.
§ Mr. StracheyThe Overseas Food Corporation have informed me that they hope to be in a position to report to me by the middle of January next the results of the review of the groundnuts scheme on which they are now engaged. As regards the second part of the Question, I shall not be in a position to make a statement on the probable increase in the cost of the scheme, or on the probable increase of its revenues, as compared to the original estimates, until I have had an opportunity of studying the Corporation's report.
§ Sir W. SmithersAs the Minister seems so misinformed, may I ask him to be good enough to read an article in the "Daily Graphic" on 7th December and the leading article in "The Times" today, so that he may see that he is adding another colossal blunder to his already long list? May I ask him how much longer he is going to pour the good money of the taxpayers of Britain down the Socialist sewer? May I—
§ Mr. SpeakerThis supplementary question is getting very, very lengthy.
§ Sir W. SmithersMay I say that it is not Africa that has got nuts: it is this Government.
§ Mr. StracheyI am extremely sorry to hear the hon. Member call a part of the British Empire a sewer.
§ Sir W. SmithersI called you a sewer.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs it in Order, Mr. Speaker, for an hon. Member to refer to you as a sewer?
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteIn view of the high hopes which have been held out to the British public as a result of this scheme, is it not important that the taxpayers should be informed as soon as possible of the increase in the cost?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, and of the fact, which seems also to be probable, that the revenues are also very much above estimate.