§ 57. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Food the value of eggs, cheese and poultry purchased from Poland in 1946; and the approximate value of these products which it is expected can be purchased from Holland and Poland in the first six months of 1947.
§ Dr. SummerskillImports of eggs and poultry from Poland in 1946 were valued at £35,000 c.i.f. In the first half of 1947 imports of Polish poultry are expected to amount to about £41,000 from contracts made in 1946. Negotiations on 1947 purchases of eggs and poultry have only just begun. No cheese was bought from Poland in 1946, and I do not expect any to be available in 1947. As regards Holland, arrangements have been made for the purchase of eggs and cheese, but not for poultry. Shipments are, however, not expected until the second half of the year.
§ Mr. GammansWould the hon. Lady explain why a country like Poland, which is receiving help from U.N.R.R.A., can possibly export poultry and eggs, and how we can get substantial quantities of cheese from Holland, which only two years ago was liberated from the Germans?
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is not for me to make this explanation. It is for Poland. We invited Poland to send us any surplus food she has and she has offered these amounts, which we gratefully accept.
§ Mr. GammansBut is not the answer, in the case of Holland, that the Dutch have been more successful in buying feedingstuffs and maize than we have?