§ 42. Colonel Ralph Clarkeasked the Minister of Food what is the purpose and what are the activities of the British Government Purchasing Mission in Lisbon; what number of staff are employed by this mission; and what is its annual cost to public funds.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe Mission represents the Ministry of Food in Lisbon, inspects and arranges shipments of sardines and assists with negotiations for Ministry purchases. It consists at present of one British based officer and three locally engaged staff. The annual cost is estimated at about £4,200.
§ Colonel ClarkeCould not this work be performed through the ordinary trade channels without cost to the public and with a probable saving in foreign currency?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am considering that at the moment.