§ 37. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food how much money in the calendar year 1947 was paid to traders appointed as agents for the purpose of purchases of carrots and other vegetables; and whether he will state the amount paid since 1st January, 1948, to the latest available date; and what is the total cost to the taxpayer.
§ Mr. Strachey£198,715 in the year 1947, and £34,319 in January, 1948. This remuneration is mainly for potatoes and is no greater than would be earned by the private trade from the wholesale margin, so the public do not pay any more either as taxpayers or consumers.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes not the Minister realise that interference with the normal trade channels causes loss of food to the consumer and loss of money to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, I see no evidence of it.