§ 35. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food the cost, per ton, delivered in Britain of the 950 tons of pork recently purchased from Denmark
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIt would be contrary to normal practice to disclose the prices paid to individual overseas suppliers.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs not that answer typical of State trading? When will the Minister realise that the cost of living cannot be substantially reduced until he stops bulk purchase and hands over the buying of meat abroad to experienced traders, who can buy in the cheapest markets? Will he stop bulk purchase at once?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMy hon. Friend will realise that it cannot be stopped at once. But he will also realise that it is our policy to do that.