HC Deb 10 November 1947 vol 444 cc14-5
35. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there were 300,000 tons of Argentine barley available for the purchase on 1st August, 1947; and how much of this exportable surplus has been bought by the British Government.

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. 300,000 tons of Argentine barley was available for purchase last August, and in August His Majesty's Government bought 300,000 tons.

Mr. Turton

Could the Minister say when that is being shipped?

Mr. Strachey

It is being shipped gradually over a period with our wheat shipments and our maize shipments from the Argentine, though these are by no means as fast as we could desire.