HC Deb 19 April 1948 vol 449 cc1409-10
1. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a full statement on the further efforts of the Government to purchase a part of the exportable surplus of livestock feeding-stuffs from the Roumanian Government, explaining the reasons for the continued delays; and stating what success has now attended these efforts.

The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)

We have offered to negotiate for all the foodstuffs, including cereals, which the Roumanians can let us have. The Roumanian authorities have informed us, however, that they cannot spare any cereals until they know the prospects for the coming harvest. But we have bought some sunflower oil and some maize starch and are waiting their reply to our inquiry about any other foods available for immediate delivery.

Major Beamish

What has happened to the large exportable surplus of feeding-stuffs known to be available last Autumn?

Mr. Strachey

I suppose it is a matter for the Roumanian Government to judge their exportable surplus.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister aware that last Autumn the Roumanian Government were willing to export a large part of that surplus to this country? Surely it was due to the inefficiency of the right hon. Gentleman's Department that they did not do that?

Mr. Strachey

I am aware of nothing of the sort.

Mr. J. S. C. Reid

Has any considerable quantity of cereals gone from Roumania to any other country, or has the right hon. Gentleman no information about Roumanian trade?

Mr. Strachey

I have considerable information about Roumanian trade, but, as far as I am aware, there has not been any appreciable export of cereals from Roumania at the present time, but that does not mean that there will not be some export of cereals from Roumania, or that we are not interested in the matter.

Mr. Turton

Was this not known to the Ministry of Food in November, yet now it is April, and nothing has been done?

Mr. Strachey

We protracted the negotiations because we were interested in the possibilities, but the Roumanian Government have just come to the conclusion that they do not want to export cereals.