Sir Frank Sanderson: It is with some diffidence that I rise to speak on this Motion, but I do so to put a point of view which has not yet been expressed. My hon. Friend the Member for Leominster (Mr. Baldwin) referred particularly to linseed cakes, and said that it was necessary that farmers should take delivery only when required because if they put them into stock the cakes were liable to go mouldy. I wish to...
Sir Frank Sanderson: Can the Minister state whether Bulgaria is in a position to export tobacco to this country?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Is the hon. Member not aware that by far the greatest number of bookies are to be found in the mills throughout the country? How does he propose to deal with them?
Sir Frank Sanderson: ; I should like to make reference to the very unfortunate remark made by the hon. and gallant Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton), when he stated that hon. Members on this side of the Committee represented financial interests. That is not true. It is totally unwarranted and it is dangerous. Members, not only on this side of the Committee, but in all parts of the Committee, represent...
Sir Frank Sanderson: asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the several million motor fuel ration books containing coupons for basic petrol for the months of November, December, January and February should be retained by the holders until the expiry of that period; or whether they should now be disposed of to assist the paper salvage campaign.
Sir Frank Sanderson: Is the Minister aware that his reply will give considerable dissatisfaction to millions of motorists in this country, since it would appear to imply that there is no possible chance of the basic petrol ration being reintroduced until late next year?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as recently as last Thursday the Egyptian Ambassador stated in a speech, at which the Minister for Economic Affairs and other Ministers and Members of Parliament were present, that he could not express too ardently his appreciation of the great assistance which this country has given to Egypt during this terrible scourge from which Egypt is suffering?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Does not the Chancellor consider that if he made arrangements whereby pound notes were drawn in and new notes issued he would save hundreds of millions of pounds?
Sir Frank Sanderson: asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what he estimates the saving in dollars will be by the discontinuance of the basic ration for petrol; and what percentage of saving it will bear in relation to our total estimated trade deficit.
Sir Frank Sanderson: Is the Minister aware that there are large numbers of ex-Service men who have commenced small businesses up and down the country which are directly and indirectly dependent upon the motor industry; and, in view of their-frustration and alarm at what has taken place, will the Minister say what he proposes to do to save these men from chaos and ruin?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Does the Minister regard it as profitable to destroy what is estimated as £300 million worth of business for the sake of £7 million worth of petrol?
Sir Frank Sanderson: asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the grave shortage of babies' foods, which has been accentuated by the cutting down of their milk rations by one pint per week; and whether he will consider what steps can be taken to make it impossible for unauthorised persons to obtain these foods.
Sir Frank Sanderson: Is the hon. Lady aware of the grave anxiety caused to countless mothers in the country due to the shortage of children's foods, and will she see whether it is not possible to take steps to ensure that such supplies are available for the purpose for which they are intended?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Is it not a fact that it is estimated that an amount of £300 million of business will be sacrificed due to the withdrawal of the basic ration?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer state whether there is any alteration in his cheap money policy or whether, taking the long view, it remains unaltered?
Sir Frank Sanderson: asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state when the concessions on cigarettes and tobacco already promised are likely to commence.
Sir Frank Sanderson: In view of the fact that it is three months since the Budget, is the Chancellor able to say whether he will be able to give notice of these concessions before the House rises for the Recess?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Would not the right hon. Gentleman regard this as a temporary loss, and does he think that, over the course of time, that loss will be converted into a profit?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Is it not a fact that the net result of these developments is to attract a large amount of dollars to this country?
Sir Frank Sanderson: Can the Chancellor state whether taking the long view, his policy remains unaltered, namely, to continue a cheap money policy?