§ 65. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the report recently sent to him on the food situation in Germany and the effects of an increased supply that could be obtained locally by allowing a greater production of nitrogen fertilisers; and whether he will take effective action accordingly as a means of avoiding the present gradual starvation of the population.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I am grateful to my hon. Friend for this report, which is now being studied. Every effort is 1466 being made to increase production of nitrogen fertilisers in the Combined zones, and as much as possible is imported from overseas under allocations made by the International Emergency Food Council.
§ 66. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what food from local production in the British zone of Germany is being taken for consumption by members of the Control Commission for Germany or Armed Forces; and whether he will confirm that none whatsoever has been, or is being, exported from Germany to England.
§ Mr. BevinMembers of the Control Commission for Germany, and of the British Armed Forces are strictly forbidden to take any food from local German production for their own consumption; no German foodstuff has been, or is being, exported from Germany to this country.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that rumour has been rife in Germany that food has been exported? Will he take special steps to see that this answer is widely publicised in Germany?
§ Mr. BevinI will Jake steps to publicise it widely, but I must deprecate the constant attempt to make suggestions about our staff in Germany. I would ask hon. Members to give us precise details, rather than throwing innuendoes.