§ 56. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food how many tons of turnips and swedes respectively he has bought in the last six months at about £7 a ton; how many has he sold at about £3 a ton; who is responsible for these transactions; what is the cost to the taxpayer; and how many tons he now has in stock.
§ Dr. SummerskillI shall be happy to give this information when all transactions have been concluded, but not while they are in progress.
§ Sir W. SmithersHas the hon. Lady seen the "Daily Telegraph" this morning? Can she confirm the statement that, owing to this panic buying, the taxpayer has been mulcted by over half a million pounds, and that purchases were made against the advice of the experts? What action does she propose to take against those responsible?
§ Dr. SummerskillNone, Sir.