HC Deb 22 April 1953 vol 514 cc1152-3
16. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Food what payments are being made to meat importers to reimburse them for loss of profit; and for how long these payments will continue.

Dr. Hill

The payments are for essential services rendered by the Meat Importers' National (Defence) Association Limited. They will cease when the Ministry of Food no longer needs these services.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my Question and say what payments are being made to meat importers and how much they amount to, and how long we shall continue to pay large sums to meat importers and distributors for not importing and not distributing meat? How long is this form of subsidy to continue?

Dr. Hill

The hon. and gallant Gentleman's Question referred to the payments which are being made for loss of profit. As there are no such payments, there is no such element in my answer. The matter has been investigated by the Public Accounts Committee, and it has been established that the cost to the Ministry of the essential services provided by these associations is less than it would be if they were provided under an organisation established by the Ministry for the purpose.

Mr. Hoy

Did not the Public Accounts Committee have some comments to make about this form of trading, and did not the Ministry agree to look into the matter to see if the scheme could be wound up in the foreseeable future?

Dr. Hill

The Public Accounts Committee investigated the matter. A Treasury Minute was put to the Public Accounts Committee, and I believe that the Minute awaits further consideration in the future.

Mr. Royle

Is it not a fact that the Meat Importers' National (Defence) Association Limited are receiving compensation for loss of business by wholesalers prior to the war, and that throughout the war and since, that compensation has actually been paid?

Dr. Hill

The body is receiving a sum of money for the aggregate services rendered, and the distribution of that sum is determined by the body itself. If hon. Gentlemen wish to know the total sum involved, I shall be happy to give them the answer if they will put down a Question.

Mr. Nicholson

On a point of order. I understood my hon. Friend to say that a Treasury Minute was under consideration by the Public Accounts Committee. I do not think it has been reported to the House. Is it not out of order to refer to such a matter when it has not been reported?

Mr. Speaker

What the hon. Gentleman said is in order.

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