9. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the issue of import licences to chocolate manufacturers will be continued during 1948; and why so many difficulties are put in the way of granting these licences.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI assume the hon. Member refers to the import of chocolate confectionery. The possibility of continuing these imports during 1948 will depend on negotiations with the supplying countries. I am not aware that any special difficulties are put in the way of importers, but it is necessary for the Ministry of Food to scrutinise applications before a licence is issued in order to ensure that the prices are reasonable, and that the quantities are within the quotas allowed from the countries concerned.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am a seeker after truth? He did not answer all of the Question. Imports and exports should be made known to the public, in view of the very many unfortunate happenings taking place today.
§ Mr. WilsonWith regard to the first part of the Question, we are always aware of that. I shall be very glad to consider what steps could be taken to bring to the notice of the public what is happening in this matter. The imports of chocolate, to which the hon. Member's Question referred, has been chiefly associated with the war shattered and very soft currency countries whom we are trying to help back to economic stability and whose trade position with us is such that we can safely take chocolate from them without wasting dollars.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the President aware that the hon. Member is sitting on the right side to face the truth, but he does not seem to like it?