§ 51. Mr. Douglasasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will obtain fruit, or other foodstuffs, for use as ballast in vessels return-log from North Africa instead of Algerian wine?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)Fruit is not suitable for shipment as ballast, nor should it be supposed that any substantial amount of foodstuffs are in excess supply and available for export in North Africa at present. My hon. Friend may rest assured that if foodstuffs become available they will be brought to this country whenever practicable.
§ Mr. DouglasWill there not be an improvement in the food situation now?
§ Mr. MabaneAs I said, it would be false to suppose that there is any substantial excess of food supplies in North Africa.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonHas the Minister been told whether it is good Algerian wine?
§ Mr. MabaneThat is a matter of opinion.
§ Sir Alfred BeitWhy is it that the wine, having been brought to this country, is not yet made available to the public?