HC Deb 29 July 1942 vol 382 cc475-6
1. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, arising out of the recent plea made by Mr. Appleby, American Under-Secretary for Agriculture, for Anglo-American collaboration in the post-war world, he will confer with the Minister of Agriculture and other Ministers with a view to issuing a statement indicating the Government's attitude in this connection?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

My right hon. and learned Friend the Paymaster-General has already made it clear in a public speech that His Majesty's Government fully approve of the recent plea from Mr. Appleby for Anglo-American collaboration in the post-war world. I do not think that I can profitably add anything [...]; this moment to what has already been said by my right hon. and learned Friend, who was speaking, of course, on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not vitally necessary to solve the problem of the primary producer, in this country, in America, and in the Dominions, before the cessation of hostilities? Does my right hon. Friend not realise that the problem will not solve itself; and does he not appreciate the importance of dealing with these matters during the war, before peace is concluded?

Mr. Eden

My hon. Friend can be sure that not only I but the Government very much realise the work that has to be done.

Sir Herbert Williams

I take it that the Government realise that you cannot pay £3 a week to agricultural labourers unless you restrict imports after the war?