§ 38. Mr. Yorkasked the Minister of Food why only 120,000 tons of maize were imported in 1946; and what amount, and from which countries, he estimates that he will succeed in importing maize in 1947.
70. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Food in view of the announcement by Senor Miguel Miranda, President of the Argentine Central Bank, that Britain could have more than the 500,000 tons of maize asked for, whether he will now make application for the maximum amount 844 available in order to assist in the manufacture of bacon, eggs and poultry in this country and thus save foreign exchange.
§ Mr. StracheyIt was not possible to import more than this quantity of maize in 1946 because the extreme and worldwide shortage of cereals for human consumption made it necessary for I.E.F.C. to rule that all cereals, including maize, must be reserved for human beings, and for this country to accept that ruling as part of the immense contribution which she made to the cause of world recovery. The cereals position of the world is still very serious, but fortunately maize at least is now in better supply. It is being widely used for purposes other than human consumption elsewhere, and this country cannot be called on to apply the same degree of rigid self-denial as she did last year. I have, therefore, been enabled to make arrangements which provide us with the prospect of much more substantial supplies during 1947. It is, of course, hardly possible to exaggerate the importance of beginning the rehabilitation of our livestock industry and an announcement will shortly be made in this connection.
§ Mr. YorkWill the Minister say, first, whether the 120,000 tons of maize which were imported were the whole of the allocation given to this country by the Combined Food Board; second, whether he is aware of the statement of Mr. Miranda on the subject of extra supplies being available to Britain?
§ Mr. StracheyIn answer to the first part of the supplementary, it was not exactly a question of an I.E.F.C. allocation, because during last year they had this ruling which prohibited the importation of maize for feedingstuffs at all. In answer to the second part of the question, I saw the statement by Senor Miranda, and it appeared to be an attempt on his part to combat exaggerated views on the part of the Argentine growers as to the prices which might be available. I would not like to say anything which would hinder Senor Miranda in that task.
Mr. BaldwinDoes the Minister not consider that it is about time to start buying this food where he can find it and not to take any notice of these mystical bodies who are trying to take food all over the world?
§ Mr. StracheyThey are not mystical—
§ Mr. Strachey—they are of considerable importance. As I have indicated in my answer, we have bought, and we are buying, substantially of this commodity.
§ Mr. James HudsonWhen the right hon. Gentleman said that this country could not afford to maintain its standards of sacrifice in his matter, was he intending to devote some of this maize, in the past, to the brewing industry?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HurdNow that the eyes of the Government have been opened to what has been happening in the allocation of maize under this Board, will the Minister look very carefully and thoroughly at the allocations of other food supplies? Other countries are getting more than their fair share.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIn view of the constantly repeated assurances of the Minister that we are feeding much better than we were before the war, is it not clear that these international organisations are going to let us have less and less?
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerWill the Minister send a copy of his answer to his colleague the President of the Board of Trade, since, in the Debate on the economic White Paper, when I raised the possibility of buying further supplies of maize, doubt was cast upon the accuracy of my information?
§ Mr. StracheyI observed the interchange which took place on that occasion. As far as I know, the right hon. Gentleman simply quoted the statement by Senor Miranda on which I have just commented.