64. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give an assurance that there will be no export of biscuits from this country as long as biscuits remain on the points rationing scheme?
§ Mr. MabaneThe ordinary trade export of biscuits has been discontinued for some time. The Government have, however, undertaken to supply very small quantities of biscuits to the Faroe Islands and to a limited number of the Crown Colonies, which have no alternative source of supply.
Mr. De la BèreWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the action of the Overseas Trade Department, who at one time during the war allowed many thousands of tons of biscuits to be exported? Will he keep a watchful eye on them, as they are not very reliable people?
§ Mr. MabaneI have indicated that the export is small. It amounts at present to one-fiftieth of one per cent. of the authorised production for the next twelve months.
§ Mr. E. WalkdenIs it not a fact that certain firms were allowed to export biscuits to Canada, and that British biscuits were being sent there, and can he say that the figure given to me in private correspondence has actually been terminated—that the whole of the export has now ceased?
§ Mr. MabaneI think I have already said that the ordinary trade export of biscuits has been discontinued for some time.