HC Deb 06 February 1956 vol 548 c1339
58. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what different foodstuffs were included in the food stocks disposed of by his Department in 1954–55.

Mr. Nugent

As the information desired is necessarily detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Willey

I am obliged to the Parliamentary Secretary; meanwhile, can he explain the extraordinary loss of 14 per cent. on the disposal of these stocks, and also how no benefit has come to the consumer? These losses have been at the cost of the taxpayer but the retail prices are unaffected.

Mr. Nugent

The general policy of disposal of stocks is to do so in an orderly fashion and avoid dislocation to the general trade. That policy is undoubtedly in the general interest, including the interest of the consumer.

Mr. Willey

Will the hon. Gentleman agree that it is not to the benefit of taxpayers to lose 14 per cent. on this disposal?

Following is the information: During the financial year 1954–55 the Ministry disposed of its entire trading stocks of the following foodstuffs: Flour. Home-produced meat. Home-produced bacon. Vegetable and marine oils. Oilseeds. Margarine. Cooking fat. Canned fish. Edible nuts. And also of its trading stocks of wheat, rye, coarse grains, animal feeding stuffs and starch. In addition reductions were effected, in varying degree, in the trading stocks of: Imported meat. Butter. Cheese. Condensed milk. Milk powder. Copra and coconut oil (from British Pacific Territories). Sugar. Frozen egg. Coffee. Dried fruits. Canned fruit.