Subsidies

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 26 Tachwedd 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Sidney Shephard Mr Sidney Shephard , Newark 12:00, 26 Tachwedd 1947

asked the Minister of Food the annual cost of administering the food subsidies.

Photo of Mr Evelyn Strachey Mr Evelyn Strachey , Dundee

In the great majority of cases food subsidies are provided by sales at prices below the purchase cost. Apart from the welfare foods, milk in schools and national milk schemes no appreciable extra administrative expense is involved.

Photo of Mr Sidney Shephard Mr Sidney Shephard , Newark

Could not the Minister answer the Question? What is the cost of administering the food subsidies?

Photo of Mr Evelyn Strachey Mr Evelyn Strachey , Dundee

As I have just said, there is no appreciable cost in administering the food subsidies themselves. It is simply the sale of the food at a lower price than that at which it has been purchased. The difference is the subsidy, not the administrative cost of the subsidy.

Photo of Mr Sidney Shephard Mr Sidney Shephard , Newark

Surely, the Minister must know what that figure is?

Photo of Mr Evelyn Strachey Mr Evelyn Strachey , Dundee

It is nil, if the hon. Member wishes to have it put like that.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

Is it not a fact that. the Minister of Food believes in the profit motive, and that, in fact, the consumer pays?