HC Deb 09 December 1953 vol 521 cc1954-5
16. Mr. F. Willey

asked the Minister of Food at what places his Department's stocks of sugar are being stored.

Major Lloyd George

In the port areas, except for a small proportion which is stored in Ministry buffer depots and in the open near to the store-buildings.

Mr. Willey

Might I appeal to the Minister to repeat his reply, because I did not hear a word he said?

Major Lloyd George

Perhaps I might appeal to the hon. Gentleman to keep his hon. Friends quiet.

Mr. Willey

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that sugar is being dumped on to airfields which have not previously been used for that storage? In view of the exceptional problem that he faces in storing 1½ million tons of sugar, will he take special precautions to ensure that it is adequately stored?

Major Lloyd George

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that precautions are taken. All the stocks are completely weatherproof and windproof. This represents only about 10 per cent. of the total stock, and this has been done for many years.

Mr. J. T. Price

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say where the stocks of surplus money now being extracted by the sugar monopoly from the British public are being stored?

Mr. Willey

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman explain the Supplementary Estimate of £36 million if this is only ordinary practice?

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