Potato Subsidy Claims

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 12 May 1947.

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Photo of Colonel Leonard Ropner Colonel Leonard Ropner , Barkston Ash 12:00, 12 May 1947

asked the Minister of Food what steps are taken by his finance department at Oxford to check the accuracy of claims submitted by potato merchants in respect of subsidy; and, in particular, whether he is satisfied that there is any satisfactory check on claims with regard to variety, grade, class and weight.

Photo of Mr Evelyn Strachey Mr Evelyn Strachey , Dundee

Merchants' subsidy claims are scrutinised at Oxford before payment; and afterwards a proportion of them is closely checked in all material particulars, comparison being made with growers' records in selected cases. There have been prosecutions in several cases where wrongful claims have been discovered on subsequent checking.

Photo of Colonel Leonard Ropner Colonel Leonard Ropner , Barkston Ash

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is commonly believed by honest merchants that there are others who receive large sums of public money to which they are not entitled? Is he also aware that in cases where a bona fide mistake is made, merchants are paid without question?

Photo of Mr Evelyn Strachey Mr Evelyn Strachey , Dundee

I cannot say what the common belief amongst merchants is but I must point out that the potato merchants are a carefully controlled body and licences are only issued to merchants whom the Ministry believe are reputable. On the other hand, I agree that it is of the greatest importance that a sufficiently large number of these returns should be checked, and I am looking into the matter.