HC Deb 29 May 1946 vol 423 cc1158-9
57. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Food how much of the 200,000 tons of wheat, which it is proposed to send to Europe, was bought from the Canadian Government at the special price of 7s. 8d. a bushel, when the world price is about us.; and what price the Government will receive for the wheat now to be sent.

Mr. Strachey

The answer to the first part of the Question is, " None, Sir." As none of this wheat was either bought or sold the second part of the Question does not arise.

Sir W. Smithers

In order to clear up any misunderstanding there may be, will the hon. Gentleman give a definite assurance that His Majesty's Government are not making any profit out of the wheat which has been sent to us by Canada at a reduced price?

Mr. Strachey

The wheat was not sent to us by Canada, there was ho buying or selling involved in the transaction and, therefore, there was no possibility of profit.