§ 72. Mr. Marplesasked the President of the Board of Trade at what price per ton his Department sold their stocks of Tung Oil to paint manufacturers in October and November and at what price it was available on the free market; why he made it obligatory on manufacturers buying in the free market to purchase an equivalent quantity from the Government at a higher price; and by what authority he compels citizens to buy Government stocks at higher prices than ruling market prices.
§ Mr. BelcherTung Oil was sold by the Board of Trade during October and November at £250 a ton ex store. Market prices varied considerably but a fair average price was about £200 per ton cost and freight. The acquisition and sale of tung oil is subject to control under the Control of Drying Oils (No. 1) Order, 1942. In view of the improved supply 229W position it was decided to discontinue import on Government account as from 1st October. In order, however, to secure an orderly liquidation of Government stocks during transition to full private trade, it was arranged, after consultation with representatives of importing firms, to allow firms to import quantities equal to their purchases from Government stocks.