§ 76. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food what compensation he intends to pay to importers of foodstuffs into Britain for loss of their business owing to bulk purchases by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. StracheyIn his statement on longterm food policy on 7th November, 1945, my predecessor stated that the import methods would be considered in relation to each foodstuff, that detailed plans would be worked out, and that consultation with non-official interests would take place. The situation has not yet reached a stage where decisions on the long-term arrangements can be taken. Meanwhile the wartime arrangements whereby the private importers of most foodstuffs which are bulk purchased, act as agents of the Ministry of Food, are still in operation. They are, of course, remunerated for their services.
§ 77. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food what principles guide him and upon whose advice does he settle the price of bulk purchases of food from overseas; and to what extent he has experience of sellers combining to raise prices against him.
§ Mr. StracheyThe main principle is naturally to buy the best food at the lowest price. I rely for advice on my Commodity Directors and their staffs, amongst whom are some of the leading business men in their respective trades. No doubt so long as the present sellers' market in foodstuffs continues some sellers may seek to raise their prices, with or without combination.