HC Deb 20 July 1953 vol 518 cc26-7
39. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food what arrangements he has made for clearing his Department's stocks of grain and other coarse feedingstuffs when the market is freed at the end of this month; how far he expects to realise these stocks without loss; and how the prices charged to merchants will compare with current world prices.

Major Lloyd George

My Department is arranging to dispose of these stocks in consultation with the trades concerned. The quantities to be released for sale will be made known to the trades from time to time and will be offered at current market values.

I can make no estimate at present of the ultimate loss, or profit. This depends upon the future course of world prices.

Mr. Hurd

May we take it then that the unloading of the Ministry's stocks will not have any substantial effect on the price of feedingstuffs—that they will be released at the current world price?

Major Lloyd George

Yes. They will be offered, as I said in my answer, at the current world price.