§ Mr. LORT-WILLIAMSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the importation of 388W East India tanned kips is still controlled by the Government; what is or was the price paid by the Government for these goods purchased by them, the selling price, and the percentage charged to cover expenses; and whether any and, if so, what percentage of profit is or was made by the Government upon re-sale?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe answer to the first part of the question is, No, Sir. Tanned kips were bought at prices ranging from 9¼annas to 1 rupee 10¾annas per lb. f.o.b. Indian port. The percentage added to cover actual expenses, including freight, is 18 per cent. As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend's question on 19th May, the prices at which these goods are being sold are as nearly as possible cost prices.