HC Deb 02 February 1956 vol 548 cc129-30W
62. Mr. F. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the loss on the disposal of food stocks during 1954–55 was 14 per cent. compared with 8 per cent. during the previous year.

Mr. Nugent

The percentages quoted relate the provision in the accounts for expected loss on disposal to the total of the stocks on hand at the end of the year of account. The percentage increases because the total stocks get less and the remaining stock tends to be that which is most difficult to sell without loss.