HC Deb 22 May 1946 vol 423 cc328-9
52. Sir Arthur Salter

asked the Minister of Food whether he will arrange for the publication of the first of the promised amending editions of the White Paper on food during the forthcoming meeting of the Food and Agricultural Organisation.

Sir B. Smith

I think it better to await the results of the meeting referred to, one of the main objects of which will be to assess the present and prospective situation of world food supplies.

Sir A. Salter

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that as far back as February, the Foreign Secretary promised that there would be periodical White Papers, and that we have had only a single White Paper? It would be of great value if we could now have an improved White Paper on the food situation, incorporating the information which has been referred to this conference.

Sir B. Smith

I am not aware of the statement made by my right hon. Friend, but we have been thinking of giving a quarterly review. As regards the F.A.O. itself, they are kept fully informed of all the subject matter relating to this question, and I had hoped, therefore, to publish an amended copy in July.