HC Deb 05 July 1949 vol 466 cc1962-3
54. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the technical financial clauses of the Anglo-Argentine Agreement, recently concluded, are not to be published in full.

Sir S. Cripps

There are no financial clauses in the Anglo-Argentine Agreement, signed on 27th June, 1949, which will not be published.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Is the Chancellor aware that Sir John Balfour is reported as having said that two technical clauses would not be published? Can he say how that statement corresponds with his answer today?

Sir S. Cripps

I cannot say what Sir John Balfour has or has not said. All I have said is accurate.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Is the Chancellor saying that all the financial and technical clauses of this agreement will be published?

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir.

59. Mr. Piratin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the increased prices for meat we are undertaking to buy from Argentina in percentage of current purchases; and what will be the extra amount to be passed on to the consumer.

Sir S. Cripps

The average price for beef, mutton and lamb is 28.74 per cent. more than the price under the Andes Agreement. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on subsidies which I made in my Budget speech.

Mr. Piratin

Is not the Chancellor aware that the question does not ask whether the principle is to stay? He has merely referred me to the principle,. which I remember well. Can the Chancellor say what the amount will be?

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir.

Mr. Piratin

On a point of Order. I should like you to note, Mr. Speaker, that I put down this Question last week to the Minister of Food. I received a telephone call from an official in that Department, who said he thought the Treasury should answer the Question. I discussed the matter over the telephone, expressing the view that the Minister of Food should answer. Now the Chancellor answers the Question, and says that he cannot give me the information. Are we not allowed to get information in this House?