§ 38. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food the estimated expenses and the estimated net profit, respectively, of the wholesale meat supply associations for the financial years 1952–53 and 1953–54, respectively.
Dr. HillThe amounts paid to the wholesale meat supply associations in respect of expenses and profits for the year 1952–53 were, respectively, £2,398,732 and £1,641,846. I am not prepared at this stage to estimate the payments that will be made for the year ending 31st March next.
§ Mr. WilleyWill the hon. Gentleman have a guess and tell us how much greater the figures will be this year?
Dr. HillAs the hon. Gentleman will have realised, this amount depends upon the tonnage of meat, and with the welcome addition in the meat supply this year there will, of course, be an increase in the amount.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs it not quite clear that the Ministry of Food will cost us a lot of money this year, and that we shall have a very nasty shock when the figures for 1953–54 are eventually released?
Dr. HillThis Question refers to a particular item. The larger the meat supply, the larger this sum.