§ 63. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food how much sugar was sent from England to South Africa in the "Llanstephan Castle"; and how much English golden syrup particulars of which have been sent him, has been sent to Durban during the last six months.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summer-skill)The amount of sugar sent from England to South Africa in the S.S. "Llanstephan Castle," which sailed on 31st December last, was 1,469 tons, and the quantity of English golden syrup shipped during the last six months was 231 tons. These shipments were made from sugar specially imported for that purpose, and not from supplies imported for United Kingdom domestic consumption.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhy is it necessary to export sugar and golden syrup to soft currency countries when we are short of such commodities in this country? Will the Parliamentary Secretary also arrange, if she can, for the next exports of sugar to include the Minister of Food so that he can stay abroad for ever?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Member does not seem to be aware of the fact that South Africa is not a soft currency country.