19. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the total value in sterling of the biscuits exported by the biscuit manufacturers of this country from 1st January, 1940, to the 30th June, 1940; and whether it is the policy of the Government to endeavour to increase and double the amount which was exported during the first six months, in the period 1st July to 31st December, 1940, in view of the increasing requirements which have developed for home consumption since the beginning of 1940?
§ Mr. Harcourt Johnstone (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)The publication of particulars of our trade in individual commodities has been suspended since the outbreak of war, but I may say with reference to the second part of the Question that the export of biscuits during the past three months has been at a lower rate than in the first half of the year.
Mr. De Ia BèreIs my hon. Friend aware that during the last few months over 3,000 tons of biscuits have been exported, and further, that those who are on night duty or in air-raid shelters in London and the Provinces are unable to get biscuits in many parts; and why does he allow Mr. D'Arcy Cooper to make export promises at Reading while the public are having to go without biscuits? The thing is a scandal, and I shall raise it at the first opportunity.
§ Mr. JohnstoneThe question about the supply of biscuits in air-raid shelters had better be put to the Minister of Food.
Mr. De la BèreOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.