Captain Duncanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that owing to Government control no accounts have been published by Messrs. Hovis, Limited, since 1939; what is the reason for this long delay; and whether he will now settle the details of the financial arrangements in the interests of shareholders and public alike?
§ Mr. MabaneThe financial agreement between my Department and the flour milling industry, under which the industry is remunerated in respect of the first three years of control, was concluded on 10th November, 1941. The ascertainment of the payments to be made under this agreement is based upon financial statements which controlled flour millers are required to furnish. Until these statements are received the Ministry is not in a position to effect a settlement under the agreement.