§ 63. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Food how many officials from the Treasury and from his own Department have visited the Isle of Ely in connection with the 1941 ledger-balances of potato merchants' accounts; what has been the cost of these visitations; how many more are to be expected in connection with 1941 and subsequent years; and what will be the estimated cost involved.
§ Dr. SummerskillTwenty officers of my Department have visited the Isle of Ely at one time or another in connection with these matters, which involve substantial sums and public money. None have gone from the Treasury. It would be a long and expensive task to work out the precise cost of these visits but a rough estimate is £2,000. Further visits, and hence their cost, will depend on the complexity of the cases yet to be examined.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIn view of the fact that British Railways have destroyed all their records, and that the Ministry of Food refuse to recognise their responsibility until delivery can be proved, will the right hon. Lady say whether it is the intention of her Ministry to delay payment for things the delivery of which cannot be proved, and would it not be cheaper for the Ministry to cut their losses now?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, I could not possibly say that. There are more accounts to look at. There were 19,000 in all 22 throughout the country and we will not commit ourselves without examining the rest.
§ Major Legge-BourkeOn a point of Order, in view of the enormous number of growers who are affected by this, and the worry it is causing them, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.