HC Deb 12 February 1942 vol 377 cc1600-1W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what are the methods of wheat purchase practised by the Ministry; to what extent these purchases are made for the cereal division by one miller and his assistant; and whether this buyer retains his commercial connections while holding a Government appointment?

Major Lloyd George

The purchase of imported cereals and cereal products by the Government is effected through the Imported Cereals Division of the Minis try of Food, of which the director is also a director of a flour milling company and the chief members of the staff are leading members of controlled firms in the grain or the flour importing trades. The principal method followed is for the Ministry to make direct from the Canadian Wheat Board from time to time large purchases of wheat "futures." These are subsequently converted into actual wheat after the receipt by the Ministry of offers of wheat on f.o.b. terms at ports of loading, which offers are either accepted or declined after examination by the Imported Cereals Division. The profits of all flour millers, flour importers, and members of the grain trade who are con trolled are limited by ageement with the Ministry, and the activities of the Imported Cereals Division cannot affect the controlled profits of any firms in these trades. The Director of Imported Cereals retains, with my Noble Friend's full knowledge and approval, his commercial connections.

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