HC Deb 15 December 1947 vol 445 c1443
22. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Food what is holding up the food negotiations with Denmark; and when he expects to resume them.

Mr. Strachey

Negotiations will be resumed shortly after Christmas. In the meantime both we and the Danes have been re-examining our respective points of view in the light of informal contacts which have been maintained.

Mr. Gammans

When these negotiations are resumed, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is better that we should take this Danish food, even at higher prices, and put it on points, rather than lose it altogether, considering that we have a favourable balance of trade with Denmark?

Mr. Strachey

The hon. Gentleman is wrong in thinking that whether it is put on points or not has anything to do with the matter. If the food can be obtained, it can be easily distributed.

Mr. Gammans

Surely the food can be obtained; but the right hon. Gentleman will not pay the price for it.