HC Deb 31 March 1952 vol 498 cc1162-4
21. Mr. J. A. Sparks

asked the Minister of Food the quantity and value of each group of commodities bought in bulk from overseas by his Department in the year 1951; and to what extent he estimated that they will be varied in 1952.

Major Lloyd George

In reply to the first part of the Question, I will, with permission, circulate a table of figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I cannot yet forecast the comparable figures for 1952.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that for many years the Conservative Party have campaigned against bulk purchase as being the principal cause of the rise in the cost of living? Will he, therefore, explain why he continues that policy?

Major Lloyd George

If the hon. Gentleman puts a Question down. All I have done is to answer the Question on the Paper.

Following is the information:

IMPORTS OF FOOD AND FEEDING STUFFS BY THE MINISTRY OF FOOD, IN 1951, ACCORDING TO MINISTRY RECORDS
Commodity Group 1951 Imports
'000 tons £'000 f.o.b.
Cereals 7,280 203,316
Sugar and glucose 2,236 89,790
Meat and bacon 763 117,116
Milk products and eggs 646 143,308
Oilseeds, oils and fats 1,773 157,591
All other food and feed 1,546 96,003
Total 14,244 807,124