Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement (Hansard, 28 January 1948)

§ 57. Mr. Hurd
asked the Minister of Food if he will state the prices being paid for coarse grains under Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement.

§ Dr. Summerskill
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on 21st January to the hon. and gallant Member for Ludlow (Lieut.-Colonel Corbett).

§ Mr. Hurd
Of course, I saw that answer; but why is it necessary in this particular deal to draw the cloak of secrecy over the price being paid, when the price being paid to Canadian, British and Australian farmers is already announced?

§ Dr. Summerskill
That does not apply only to this particular deal. It is our customary practice. The hon. Member must realise that we are now negotiating for coarse grains with other countries. It would be a most stupid and unbusinesslike thing to reveal these prices.

§ Major Haughton
Will the hon. Lady see that the price, when it is calculated, includes the remission of interest charges, which we were told were all part and parcel of this big transaction?

§ Dr. Summerskill
That is another question.