§ 13. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Food whether he is negotiating for the 10,000 tons of linseed offered for sale by Uruguay.
§ Mr. StracheyI am glad to say that we have just bought 20,000 tons, with a possibility of a further 10,000 tons, of linseed from Uruguay.
§ Mr. TurtonCan the Minister say when the delivery of this most welcome linseed can be expected?
§ Mr. StracheyShipment is to be made before 31st December.
§ Sir Frank SandersonIn view of the considerable reduction in the price of cereals in America and other parts of the world, and the likelihood that oil seed prices will also be reduced, will the Minister give an assurance that he will not enter into any long-term contracts without a break clause?
§ Mr. StracheyI could not possibly give a sweeping assurance of that kind to the House, but I can assure hon. Members that my advisers are watching this very welcome trend of which the hon. Member speaks. We shall certainly take these considerations into full account in any short or long-term purchases that we make.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersWould it not be much better for the consumer if the Minister would stop bulk purchasing and State trading and allow Mincing Lane and the Baltic Exchange to get on with the job in healthy competition?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir.
§ 26. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Food if, in view of the improving world supplies of linseed oil as indicated by the steadily falling world prices, he will recommend to the International Emergency Food Council that participating countries should now be free to make purchases as and when they think fit.
§ Mr. StracheyI understood that the International Emergency Food Council have already announced that linseed and linseed oil are freed from allocation.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the Minister give an assurance that he will not find himself forced to take up any allocation at a higher price than he would need to pay by buying small quantities at widely spaced intervals.
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir. There will be no allocation under the I.E.F.C.