HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 364 cc11-2
18. Mr. Levy

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in view of the glut of commodities in the non-European continents through the British encirclement of the Continent of Europe, he is prepared to convene a conference of the exporting countries of primary commodities in order to arrange for the orderly marketing of their supplies in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Dalton

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 30th July, a Ministerial sub-committee of the Economic Policy Committee is now considering the whole question of surpluses. I will bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the notice of the sub-committee. Imports of primary commodities into the United Kingdom are already regulated by my Noble Friend the Minister of Food and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

Mr. Levy

Would it not tend to economy in buying by this country if this conference were convened?

Mr. Dalton

I have already indicated to my hon. Friend that that particular part of the matter is outside my Department, and under the control of my right hon. colleagues whom I mentioned in the last part of the answer.

Mr. Stokes

What does the hon. Gentleman who put the Question down mean by "encirclement of the Continent of Europe"?

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