HC Deb 16 May 1949 vol 465 cc10-1
16. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food what period will be covered by the first annual report of the Overseas Food Corporation; and when he expects that this will be published.

Mr. Strachey

The report of the Overseas Food Corporation will cover the period from the establishment of the Corporation on 16th February, 1948, to the end of their first financial year on 31st March, 1949. In accordance with the normal practice of large commercial undertakings the report will be published within a reasonable number of months' time of the end of the period to which it refers.

Mr. Hurd

As the Minister is going to Tanganyika next month to see what is happening to the groundnuts scheme, would he, simultaneously with the Corporation report or before the Summer Recess, let us have the benefit of his second thoughts?

Mr. Strachey

When I return from Africa, I shall be willing to make a statement if the House so desires.

Captain Crookshank

What does the right hon. Gentleman consider "a reasonable number of months" to be?

Mr. Strachey

The usual commercial practice of large undertakings is within six months, I think.

Captain Crookshank

Then we shall not be able to get a Debate before the Summer Recess.

Mr. Strachey

Not necessarily on the annual report, but no doubt an occasion can be provided.