§ 5. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food what is the cost of his Department's office and organisation in Covent Garden market; and to state in detail the items of rent, overhead charges, and the number of people employed and their salaries.
§ Mr. StracheyThis office and organisation serves all London markets and the Lea Valley production area, and costs £2,500 a year, made up of £275 rent, £65 overhead charges and £2,160 in salaries for a staff of six.
§ Sir W. SmithersCan the Minister say what qualifications the persons employed at that office have and what were their previous occupations; and is Mr. Lewis still employed there, and, if so, is he still a member of the firm of Messrs. E. H. Lewis and Company, big dealers in the Covent Garden Market?
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot answer all those points without notice.
§ Sir W. SmithersThe Minister ought to know.