§ 38. Mr. Keelingasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that ships have left Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Australia for this country with empty cargo space which could have been occupied by wine; and whether he will arrange for import licences for wine to be available in future similar circumstances, in view of the small stocks in this country?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)I am informed by my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport that ships are leaving their ports of departure loaded down to the marks, ample supplies of priority goods being available in the countries named. While I shall be glad to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, its adoption would in all probability lead to the exclusion of more valuable cargo.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean that in no case have ships left these ports with empty space?