Dutch Vegetables

HC Deb 27 November 1946 vol 430 cc1599-600

35. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what vegetables are being supplied to the British zone from Holland this winter; and if he will state the approximate quantity in thousands of tons.

Mr. J. Hynd

We have arranged for the supply of some 100,000 tons of turnips, beetroot, cabbage, carrots and cauliflowers.

Mr. Stokes

Is it not correct to state that no less than 140,000 tons was then or will be available, and why has all that not been taken up?

Mr. Hynd

As a matter of fact, the estimates of availability of Dutch vegetables have been reduced very considerably in the latest estimate. The reduced figure we have is of no more than 300,000 tons of Dutch vegetables available for general disposal, and we have secured at least 100,000 tons for Germany alone.

Mr. Stokes

Have we taken up all we can get?

Mr. Hynd

We have taken all that has been offered to us so far.

Mr. Walkden

Is it not true that in recent months we have refused to accept vegetable products from Holland for reasons of barter difficulties or the argument as to who is going to pay?

Mr. Hynd

I am not at all aware of that. The total available in Holland is only 300,000 tons. We have accepted all that has been offered, representing one-third of the total amount.