§ 33. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food the number of German representatives who came to England to buy Algerian wine; where they were entertained at Government expense; and what was the cost.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe four representatives of the German wine trade who came to England to buy Algerian wine paid their own expenses.
§ Sir W. SmithersWere other countries in competition with Germany for the purchase of this wine? Why did the Minister of Food enter into the wine trade, about which he knows nothing?
§ Dr. SummerskillI did not hear the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary.
§ Sir W. SmithersI asked why the Minister entered into the wine trade, about which he knows nothing?
§ 34. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food if, when estimating the profit or loss on Algerian wine, he has included the cost of the London in bond total charges for two years; and what rate the dock authorities granted for the receiving and housing and rent for two years.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe charge for receiving, housing, and rent for two years was approximately 9d. per gallon. This was included in the cost when the profit was calculated.