§ 51. Sir David Robertsonasked the Minister of Food the quantity of olive oil stocks transferred to the Olive Oil Importers' Association by his Department in 1947; the price per gallon paid by the Association; and the quantity of such stocks which remain unsold at the present time.
§ Mr. WebbMy Department transferred 300 tons in 1947 at a price of £425 a ton. All this quantity has been sold.
§ Sir D. RobertsonAs these dearly bought stocks have now been sold, am I right in assuming that the large stocks which still remain in this country are owned by the Olive Oil Importers' Association? Why are they being protected by the Government at high controlled prices when the world price is so much lower?
§ Mr. WebbWe have handed this business over to a private enterprise organisation, and if the hon. Member is dissatisfied with that arrangement perhaps he will put down another Question.