§ Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade the total loss which it is anticipated will be incurred as a result of the Government decision to take supplies of Australian zinc concentrates for a period of 10 years following the conclusion of the War?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONFor reasons already given to the House, I am unable to state whether or not a loss will finally result from the purchase by the Government of Australian zinc concentrates.
§ Mr. H. JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the State still retains the services of the individual who was responsible for concluding the contract under which the Government buys large quantities of Australian zinc concentrates for a period of 10 years following the conclusion of the War?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given him yesterday on this matter.
§ Mr. H. JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made for the disposal of the Australian zinc concentrates purchased 281W by the Government for a period of 10 years after the conclusion of the War; and what remuneration or salaries are payable in respect of such sales?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe following arrangements have been made for the disposal of Australian zinc concentrates, namely, in respect of resales in Australia and east of Suez, the Zinc Producers' Association (Proprietary), Ltd., act as agents for the Government. In respect of resales in Europe and all countries west of Suez, the British Metal Corporation, Ltd., have been appointed agents. The remuneration payable to the agents varies according to the services rendered, and ranges from 4 to 5 per cent, on the business passing through their hands. This figure includes the cost of assay. No separate salaried staff is employed by the Government.