§ 40. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proportion of the total quantity of fat, amounting to 217,000 tons, agreed to be delivered into the Anglo-U.S. zone of Germany for the twelve months ending 30th June, 1949, had been so delivered by 31st October, 1948; and what quantity will deliveries amount to for the months of November and December, 1948, and January, 1949.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)The proportion of fats delivered by 31st October, 1948, was 22.5 per cent. The quantities 1201 delivered or expected to be delivered in November, December and January are 26,700 tons, 10,000 tons and 10,000 tons respectively.
§ Mr. StokesMy right hon. Friend really has puzzled me. Does his answer mean that in the first four months, up to the end of October, the promised amount, namely, 70,000 tons, has been delivered, and that 20,000 tons a month for the next three months will be delivered, or has been delivered in the case of November; because percentages are of no use one knows what x is?
§ Mr. BevinOn the advice of my work-party it was 22.5 per cent. of the total that was expected to be delivered.
§ Mr. StokesI cannot put the Question down again before Christmas, but will my right hon. Friend explain to his working party that what they are really trying to do is to deceive the House of Commons?