9. Mr. De le Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the aid which is to be given to traders to maintain and increase their sales to the United States of America, the Government will give an assurance that this will exclude all manufactured foodstuffs, such as biscuits and slab chocolate, in view of their vital importance for home consumption?
§ Mr. LytteltonIn present shipping conditions, it is not the policy of His 7 Majesty's Government to encourage the export of manufactured foodstuffs of which the raw materials are mainly imported.
Mr. De la BèreCan my right hon. Friend give us some assurance that there will be no further continuation of this policy? Is he not aware that the Americans do not need biscuits and that we do? Is he not aware that in a previous answer it was disclosed that a substantial amount of biscuits had been exported, and that the continuation of this practice is nothing more nor less than criminal folly?
§ Mr. LytteltonI understand that when circumstances were different limited facilities were given in order to implement engagements, and these facilities are being withdrawn shortly.