HC Deb 22 September 1948 vol 456 c884
58. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the inability in many parts of the country of the public to secure supplies of most varieties of biscuits due to large exports, he will reduce the volume of biscuits exported so as to make available more adequate supplies for the home consumer.

Dr. Summerskill

No, Sir. Biscuits exported earn much more currency than their ingredients cost and therefore they help to pay for other food imports.

Mr. De la Bère

Is there never to be an end to this sort of answer about dollars and currencies? Is it not a fact that biscuits cannot be obtained in most parts of the country? Why not down-point them, make them more plentiful and use common sense for once?

Dr. Summerskill: We feel it

is common sense to export biscuits to Canada in order to get bacon and eggs in return.

Mr. Harrison

Would the Minister consider accepting responsibility completely for the distribution of biscuits in this country, thereby overcoming disproportionate distribution?

Dr. Summerskill

Yes, Sir.

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