HC Deb 10 November 1947 vol 444 cc11-2
25. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there is an exportable surplus of sunflower seed oil in Roumania, and what steps His Majesty's Government is taking to obtain supplies.

Mr. Strachey

I hope that there is an exportable surplus of sunflower seed in Roumania. A Ministry of Food representative visited that country recently and has discussed with the Roumanian Government the purchase of sunflower seed and other foodstuffs. The Roumanian Government are preparing a list of the commodities they want to obtain from the United Kingdom and when we get it further negotiations will take place.

Mr. Turton

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman speed up this very slow method of getting food?

Mr. Strachey

Until the Roumanian Government have given us a list of what they want to obtain from us, they are not willing to sell us the sunflower seed or other food products, but I agree that it is of great importance.

Lieut.-Colonel Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

Does the surplus maize from that country come under the same heading?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir—if there is a surplus.

Mr. Hastings

Would it be possible for His Majesty's Government to send to the Roumanian Government a list of the products which they would be prepared to sell to them?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. That, of course, has already been done. Our representative there was in a position to discuss that, but the Roumanian Government wish to draw up their own list of what they wish to buy.