HC Deb 10 July 1946 vol 425 c392
62. Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

asked the Minister of Food whether his Department is fully informed regarding surplus food stocks in Denmark; and what consultations he has held with Denmark with a view to making such surpluses available in countries suffering grave shortages, including this country.

Mr. Strachey

One of my officers is now permanently stationed at Copenhagen. He represents the Ministry of Food on the Allied and Danish Executive Food Surplus Committee, and strenuous efforts will be made to increase our food supplies from this and other sources.

Mr. Chamberlain

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is strong evidence as to considerable surpluses of various foodstuffs, including butter, in Denmark, and will he use every possible effort to see that it is properly disposed of to those countries which badly need it?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. Of course, we are importing Danish butter and I hope to continue to do so.

Mr. Peter Freeman

Will my right hon. Friend consider inviting a deputation from Denmark to visit this country as he has done in the case of Eire to consider what can be obtained from there in the way of food supplies?

Mr. Strachey

At the moment the negotiations are going on the other way round, in Copenhagen.