§ 32. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that as a result of the Government's recent refusal to buy Bulgarian tobacco, the Bulgarian Government decided to increase considerably the volume of trade between Bulgaria and the Soviet Union; and whether, in view of the far-reaching political implications of that decision, he will, in future, reconsider his attitude towards the purchase of Bulgarian tobacco?
§ Mr. CrossI do not accept the implication in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, I am unable to undertake any commitment.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not the case that the Government have been unwilling to purchase Bulgarian tobacco and that Bulgaria has to some extent been thrown into the arms of Russia?
§ Mr. CrossI have already said that I do not accept the implication in the first part of the hon. Member's Question. In view of the fact that the Soviet purchase amounted to only 2,000 tons of tobacco, or 7 per cent. of the normal Bulgarian tobacco crop, I think it is clear that it has not the importance that the hon. Member is attributing to it.