U.S.A. Canned Shrimps

HC Deb 14 July 1947 vol 440 c20

39. Mr. Bramall

asked the Minister of Food why dollars are expended on tinned shrimps from the U.S.A.

Mr. Strachey

Canned shrimps began to be imported privately from the U.S.A. under an open general licence. As soon as it became evident that a small but appreciable amount of dollars were being expended in tills way the open general licence was withdrawn as from 14th May.

Mr. Bramal

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him why, in view of the fact that any purchases from the United States must mean the spending of dollars, a licence was granted?

Mr. Strachey

The answer is that it was done under a general licence which covered a lot of other things as well, and included a few canned shrimps.