§ 11. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India if His Majesty's Government will come to an arrangement with the Government of the U.S.A. with a view to shipping being supplied for the shipment of grain to India.
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)Under the Combined Shipping 324 Adjustment Board procedure, the shipping available to the United Nations, whether belonging to ourselves, the United States or our other Allies is already pooled in the light of all requirements. As was recently announced in India, very substantial shipments of foodgrains have been and are being made to India.
§ Mr. SorensenHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the American statement that grain could be sent from America if we could supply the shipping? Does that denote some difficulty that could be cleared up after closer inquiry?
§ Mr. AmeryNo, Sir. There is no question of clearing up. Our Ministry of War Transport and the American War Shipping Administration are, naturally in close touch as to the best allocation of shipping for all the many requirements of the Allies.
§ Mr. SorensenIs grain being taken by our ships to India just now?
§ Mr. AmeryIt is taken from the ports most convenient, by the routes most economical of shipping, to India.