§ 15. Mr. Walter Fletcherasked the Minister of Food what was the average percentage profit made by his Department on sago flour imported from Malaya during the 12 months ended September, 1949.
§ Mr. StracheyWe made a profit of about 16 per cent. in 1949; this profit is used to keep down the prices of other starches.
§ Mr. FletcherWill the Minister give it in plain figures, because that would help to allay the very reasonable sense of grievance of the sago flour exporters of Malaya?
§ Mr. StracheyPerhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question on any further point which he has in mind.
§ Mr. MarloweCan the Minister explain why it is in the public interest to disclose these figures when there is a profit and not to disclose figures when there is a loss.
§ Mr. StracheyI frequently disclose the fact that most of our food imports are heavily subsidised to the consumer and that therefore there is a loss on them.