HC Deb 24 May 1944 vol 400 cc743-4
53. Sir A. Southby

asked the Minister of Supply to what extent liquorice root is being imported from Russia; whether liquorice root is being imported from Syria; and what is the import price of the article in each case.

Sir A. Duncan

Large quantities of liquorice root have been received from Russia, under our reciprocal supply arrangements with the Soviet Government. Small quantities of peeled liquorice root are being imported from Syria. It would not be desirable to make public the details of purchases.

Sir A. Southby

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the import licensing department of the Board of Trade is refusing licences to import liquorice from Syria; and is it the policy to import the Russian root, instead of the Syrian root, which is the superior article?

Sir A. Duncan

I cannot speak for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade; but the supplies are ample.

Sir A. Southby

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I put this Question to his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and that it was transferred by the President of the Board of Trade to him?

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