47. Mr. De la B èreasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in connection with the proposed Rumanian trade arrangements, he can ensure that the 200,000 tons of surplus wheat which is to be sold by Rumania to this country at world prices is made available through the trade organisation to be established for the purpose, and that it will not be possible for this surplus wheat to be diverted elsewhere if prices above the world price are offered?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)There is nothing which I can add at the present time to the text of the Protocol which has been issued as a White Paper. If my hon. Friend has any suggestions to make in regard to the proposed purchase I shall be happy to consider them if he will communicate them to me.
Mr. De la B èreIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is of the utmost importance that immediate steps be taken adequately to safeguard these trade arrangements, and in view of the unsettled condition of the world the expression "world price" is meaningless? Is not the central and vital point that the wheat should not be diverted but come here, since we have given both credit and money to Rumania in this connection?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not aware of all that.