HC Deb 26 February 1951 vol 484 c1737
44. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Food why he holds large quantities of Portuguese sardines in stock when none are available in the shops.

Mr. Webb

Ample stocks of sardines are available for the shops. My Department's stocks come from several countries and they are issued so as to clear our stocks in a rationed and orderly manner.

Sir J. Mellor

Will the Minister state what quantities he now holds, what quantities have been released to the shops during the year and whether the releases have been evenly distributed?

Mr. Webb

That is an entirely different question.

Sir J. Mellor

Cannot I have an answer to it?