58. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Food what losses his Department and Departments under his control made on bulk purchases of food during the years 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949, stating the amount of loss in each case.
§ Mr. WebbWith permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the losses incurred on foods subsidised by my Department, but not necessarily bulk-purchased.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes the Minister realise that, when he makes a profit, the whole country has to pay extra for food, and that when he shows a loss, we still have to pay? Does not he agree that the position would be much better if he stopped bulk purchases?
§ Following is the table:
§ Mr. CookMy hon. Friend was informed on 28th June that the possibility of amending the law was being examined and that the Governor's views had been sought; I cannot at present add to that statement. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "No, Sir." When the councillors were committed to prison for contempt of court, the Governor, acting under the law, declared the council to have expired, and appointed a 1357 Municipal Commission to carry out its functions for the remainder of its un-expired term of office.
§ Mr. DribergMay I take it, from the latter part of that answer, that when the term of office has expired these people, like any other citizens, will have an opportunity of presenting themselves again to the electorate?
§ Mr. LlewellynCan the hon. Gentleman confirm that a journalist was also imprisoned in connection with this offence, that he has not been released, and would he say why?