§ 14. Mr. Lowasked the Secretary of State for War what was the world profit made by N.A.A.F.I. in the last full year's trading; what was the profit at home, in Germany, Austria, the Mediterranean and the Far East, respectively; and whether the N.A.A.F.I.'s decision to increase the prices in different theatres to cover the average cost of freight and insurance incurred on goods to that theatre was approved by him.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe N.A.A.F.I. Accounts for 14 months ended 1st November, 1947, are being placed before the N.A.A.F.I. Council this month, and a copy will be placed in the Library. Details of trading results in different theatres are not published. No such new decision as is suggested has been made, as N.A.A.F.I., being an ordinary trading organisation, has always had to cover the cost of freight and insurance in its prices.
§ Mr. LowIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in certain theatres, particularly in Germany, N.A.A.F.I. prices seem to those stationed there much higher than they should be, and would not the best way to reassure them be to have the N.A.A.F.I. accounts published to the world, so that people can see whether undue profits are being made or not?
§ Mr. ShinwellAs the hon. Gentleman is probably aware, I conducted a personal investigation into the alleged high prices in B.A.O.R., but we have to take account of certain charges imposed on N.A.A.F.I., which lead to higher prices.