HC Deb 24 May 1950 vol 475 cc2067-9
The Minister of Food (Mr. Maurice Webb)

Since I took office last March I have discussed with Sir Leslie Plummer, the Chairman, the future direction of the Overseas Food Corporation, and particularly that part of it dealing with the East African Groundnut Scheme.

The House is aware that the scope of the Corporation's activities has changed materially from that assumed by all parties concerned at the time of Sir Leslie's appointment. It was then envisaged that the Corporation would operate a number of schemes, whereas except for the operations of the Queensland-British Food Corporation, efforts have had to be concentrated on the East African Groundnut Scheme, and the plan upon which the Corporation is now engaged for that scheme is on a smaller scale than was contemplated in the original estimates as accepted by the Government and on the basis of which Sir Leslie Plummer accepted appointment.

In the light of all the circumstances Sir Leslie Plummer and I have agreed that he relinquish the Chairmanship. Accordingly he will give up his post on 30th June, 1950. Having regard to the terms of his appointment suitable compensation will be paid to him.

I want to take this opportunity of thanking him on behalf of the Government for his able and energetic services and of paying tribute to the public spirit which led him to accept the Chairmanship of the Corporation. In particular the Government recognises Sir Leslie's service in initiating the Queensland-British Food Corporation, which has made considerable progress with its enterprise since it was founded two years ago.

I will announce the appointment of his successor after the Recess.

Mr. Hurd

As the Minister is showing himself a realist rather more than his predecessor in regard to this Groundnut Scheme, will he go a little further, in adopting the advice given to him from this side of the House, and ensure that before any public money is spent in Tanganyika we shall have the advice of a high-class technical mission so that we really know what we are doing?

Mr. Webb

I do not propose to add to my statement.

Mr. George Thomas

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it was the advice of a high-class mission which gave rise to so much of the trouble? Would he further realise that Sir Leslie Plummer carries the confidence of a great many people and their appreciation for the service he has rendered?

Mr. Turton

Can the Minister say whether, besides eliminating Sir Leslie Plummer, he intends to cut down the very high cost of the headquarters of the Overseas Food Corporation in London?

Mr. Webb

We had better await the further reports of the development of the scheme before we go into that.

Mr. Driberg

Did my right hon. Friend observe that his announcement of the dropping of Sir Leslie Plummer was extremely welcome to the other side of the House and the other side only, and can he say whether this announcement indicates any diminution of the complete confidence in Sir Leslie Plummer expressed so recently, on behalf of the whole Government, by his predecessor?

Mr. Webb

I think the House will be aware of the fact that the statement said that he and I have agreed that he relinquish the Chairmanship.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman look rapidly into the question of the expenditure of capital goods and money on ports and transportation in East Africa which may prove to be redundant, so that there is no unnecessary waste of that kind?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Could the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the compensation to which he referred will not be paid tax free?

Several Hon. Members rose——

Mr. Speaker

I think the House has the information now. We had better get on with the Business.

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