§ 79. Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for War what price is being paid for potatoes supplied for the troops in the Suez Canal zone; and whether the Ministry of Food, which has a large surplus of sound potatoes being sold here at £4 a ton, were invited to tender.
§ Mr. J. R. H. HutchisonIt is not the practice to disclose the prices for particular contracts. The Ministry of Food were not invited to tender. We have to make regular provision for our needs some way ahead and, therefore, cannot always take advantage of a surplus which may arise later. In addition, owing to the risk of deterioration, it is very doubtful whether shipment from this country would be economical.